Listening to the voice of God is one of the most important things you do every day. It is easy to go through life doing what seems best in your own eyes, following your own plans, and ignoring the gentle whisper of the Lord calling you to walk in His ways. But when we ignore the voice of God, walk in our own ways, and disobey His commandments, we put ourselves outside the posture of enjoying His blessings.
God desires to bless His people. He is not looking for ways to withhold good from you. His heart is for you, and His commands are given for your good. God’s heart is to give you His protection and guide you into the life He knows is best.
Psalm 81:13-14 (NKJV) “Oh, that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways! I would soon subdue their enemies, And turn My hand against their adversaries.”
God’s desire for His people was that they would listen and follow, so that He could take care of them and bless them.
There is a choice set before us each day. We can choose to listen to the Lord, to walk in His ways, and to observe the things He has commanded us in His Word. Or we can choose to go our own way, doing what feels right in the moment, but we’ll miss the peace and blessing that comes with obedience.
Deuteronomy 28 reminds us of the blessings tied to listening and obeying God:
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (NKJV) “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:”
God promises blessings to those who listen to Him and walk in His ways. This does not mean life will be without hardship, but it does mean you will have the confidence of knowing you are walking in God’s will and under His care.
Listening to God requires a soft heart and a willingness to surrender your plans to His. Listening to God means coming to Him in prayer, seeking Him in His Word, and allowing His Spirit to speak directly to your heart. It means choosing to trust Him, even when His ways are different from what you expected.
How easy it is to let fear or pride keep you from listening to God’s voice. Sometimes we think we know better. Other times, we are afraid of what God might ask of us. But His plans for you are good, and His ways are higher than your ways. The Bible says,
Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
God’s plans for your life are filled with hope, purpose, and blessing when you choose to follow Him.
God wants to speak to you today. Look to Him and listen.
