Do you hear God’s voice in the winds?

 

By Karen Y. Stevens

The title is from the Glen Campbell song, “Galveston.” I have the privilege of writing this, looking out onto the shore of Galveston.

My friend owns a condo here, and she has invited me to stay a few days. The view is spectacular, and very inspiring. I’m watching the sunrise, as well as the birds doing some fishing, and eating their breakfast in the surf.

We have had so much fun laughing, shopping, getting pedicures, swimming, (indoor, heated pool), and talking about everything.

It’s always nice to get to know someone on a deeper level, and the only way that is possible is to spend a lot of quality time with them. You see where I’m going with this? My friend and I, have spent time together, but in settings around other people. Occasionally, we have sat in each other’s living rooms and visited, but it’s not the same as getting away with someone and talking for days about your likes and dislikes, your hopes, and desires, your sorrows, and disappointments. You really bond with someone when that happens.

I know you see where I’m going with this, but for those of you who haven’t caught on; God desires this with you. He wants to hear of your hopes, dreams, disappointments, etc.

I know we all have highs and lows in our relationships. We feel really close, and really distant at times. When we feel distant to God, we feel like failures, as if we did something wrong. We probably did get lax in our efforts, like all relationships, but it’s not how many times you fall down that counts. It’s how many times you get up!

We also lose our way of thinking a lot of times along the way. Just as politicians are more interested in winning the argument most of the time, than helping America. I’m talking about both Republicans and Democrats. I know that feeling.

You get into a role or position, and your head is in the right place, but then something goes awry along the way. The people around you start talking, and pushing you in a direction until you start believing you are on the right path. But in reality, you are so far off the path, and your blinded by those around you.

It’s very important to stay in contact with God, and be still to hear His voice, giving you wisdom, and perfect reason.

We as Christians have all heard God’s voice at one time in our walk with Him, (whether we know it or not), and probably ignored it the first time, or two. I’m sure He sounds different to each of us. Some might actually hear a voice, some might feel a strong urging.

I Kings 19:12 says “After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”

However God speaks to you, learn that it really is Him; listen and heed the next time.

You will get in a rhythm, just as you do with your friends, spouse, family members, etc. as you get to know them better. You take what they say at face value, and know they have your best interest at heart.

How much better is God at this, than your friends?

 

Karen Y. Stevens is founder of Orange County Christian Writers Guild