Sunday, January 11, 2009

God, silent?

I'm sitting in Singapore airport, redeeming time between flights.

Someone the other day was talking with me about deeply wanting to hear God speak to them, but never hearing anything.
I've never heard an audible voice from God and in my life have only met a handful of people who have.
So does this mean God is silent?
As we spoke, it dawned on me that when we want to hear God speak to us, it's usually to do with Him telling us something about US - our direction in life, choices we are facing, comfort we need...

Then I realised - God is speaking ALL THE TIME! Just not in a way we are expecting to hear. Read Psalm 19. The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim His handiwork. They may not have an audible voice but their message is broadcast around the world.
Romans 1. God speaks through His creation - people are without excuse for not coming into relationship with Him.

God is always speaking, but the catch is, He's not speaking about us. He is speaking about Himself! And what a vastly better conversation subject! He doesn't want to revolve around us and our day-to-day stresses as if that's the most important thing; He wants us to be consumed by Him.

Lord, I have a problem, I need You to speak to me...
I am GOD... look around. The heavens are declaring my glory.
Hello??? Anyone there? I have an issue here! Tell me what to do!
I am GOD.... the skies are proclaiming the work of my hands.
Why are You so silent?

I challenge myself along with you to look for the myriad of ways God is already speaking, and come to grips that He doesn't revolve around US. The more we focus on Him, the more we will realise how much more sense it makes to do so, and as we seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, all the other stuff will be sorted.

Listen.... Do you hear Him?

6 comments:

Mike said...

Very thought provoking. Thank you!

lance said...

God speaks in often unthought of ways. I've found that out. Sorry forgive me for not visiting in a while.
God bless,
Lance
www.lancessoulsearching.com

Harmony said...

Beautiful reminder and invitation. Thanks.

Peter Dimond said...

Was reading a John Piper book the other day which said the same thing - it makes the point, "Who is the most God-centred person in the universe?" Answer - God is! Why is it important to be stunned by the God-centredness of God? Because many people are willing to be God-centred as long as they feel that God is man-centred. It is a subtle danger. We may (often) think we are centring our lives on God, when we are really making Him a means to self-esteem. Just thought it really fitted neatly with what you wrote Shirl.

Shirley said...

Too true, Digger. Look out for the book, 'Cat and Dog Theology' by Bob Sjogren and Gerald Robison - my favourite book and all about this. Anything Piper is great too! :)

suan said...

i've been loving the song based on isaiah 58 since i first heard it months ago. thanks for loading it on you tube!

sometimes when i feel burdened by my troubles, i just look at the trees, skies and God's creations and my troubles would seem much smaller because i realize the God who creates all these is MY GOD and He's the same God who takes care of me =)

have a wonderful week!