Hear From God
Tuesday, June 30
Hear From God
Will hear what God the LORD will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Psalm 85:8
Today’s scripture, Psalm 85, was set in turbulent days in the land of Israel. It describes their restored joy and hope through experiencing God’s mercy and forgiveness. Perhaps The Psalmist is also acknowledging their experience of hardship in returning to a land and an economy ravaged by neglect during the long time away in exile. The Psalmist celebrates God’s mercy, he also feels the pain of the nation’s brokenness and cries out for revival, and longs to personally hear the word of the Lord that will speak peace to his own heart and the nation he loves.
We too can identify with this feeling as we have also been living in turbulent days with whole nations thrown into turmoil at the spread and impact of the COVID-19. Everywhere you turn there is a voice. Voices through the media with updates, through scientists and physicians with statistical data and predictions, voices of your family and friends trying to make sense of it all. Each voice threatening to capture your peace, to undermine the hope and assurance of God’s people. Like many I have been blessed and built up during this time through accessing godly voices from His Word and through our online teaching and streamed services.
As I’ve listened, though, I’ve been reminded afresh that I need to discern the voice of God for myself. I must hear what God is saying to me. Like the writer of Psalm 85, I too need to hear what God the Lord wants to speak into my own heart.
I am by no means saying that we no longer need pastors and teachers in the church, but it does mean that our Heavenly Father wants to speak to and teach each of His children personally. Even if you tend to see yourself as one of the ‘least’, be encouraged, you are included in the promise above. Will you take the time to hear from God today? Read His Word and listen for the voice of God as He speaks?
Prayer for today: Lord Jesus, I know that I’m Your child. As I read Your Word, the Bible, please help me to hear what You are saying to me and even to others in these days. In Your name, I pray. Amen.