Are You There?
I don’t multi-task exceptionally well, so I get a great deal of satisfaction when it’s possible. I love my Bluetooth earpiece. It allows me to catch up with friends and family over the phone while I do chores such as laundry and dishes. Many times I don’t finish a conversation before it’s time to get the boys from school. On the way to school I pass through an area of poor cell reception. Sometimes it drops the call or at least loses audio for a few seconds. I try to wrap up any phone calls before I get to that point.
I spend a considerable amount of time driving. This is nothing new to me. It’s been a theme for most of my life. Over the years I’ve developed a habit of talking to God while I’m driving alone. Sometimes I pray in my thoughts, but most of the time I talk out loud. That’s another reason I like Bluetooth. If someone sees me talking in an empty vehicle, they no longer assume I’m crazy!
One day I was driving my usual route to pick up the boys from school. I was deep in conversation with God, talking at length about something that was going on. All of a sudden, I realized I was in that area of poor cell reception. I had been talking non-stop so I said, as I would to anyone, “Are you still there? Did I lose you?” After a second I realized what I had just done and had to laugh out loud. How silly was that! I wasn’t talking on the phone! I was talking to God! Once I had moderately recovered from my laughter, I thanked God that I never had to be concerned about losing communication with Him.
God promises us over and over that He won’t leave or abandon us. Psalm 139 highlights that no matter where we are, God is there. He is always there for us, even in the dark times when we can’t sense His presence. Just wait. Listen.
Last week’s post was about speaking up. We absolutely need to speak up and talk to God. Our prayers should be a conversation. In a conversation, two or more people take turns speaking and listening. A good conversation does not include putting the phone on speakerphone and interjecting a few well-placed grunts of agreement. Likewise, prayer is not meant to be a monologue. It needs to include times of listening.
Listening to people can be difficult. How much more so with God, who can’t be seen or perceived! How can we listen to God’s voice? There is no formula or simple answer. God speaks to us in different ways at different times. Sometimes it’s crystal clear and other times its more of a feeling or nudge. I’ll share a few thoughts on how to listen, but I’d love for anyone to share their experiences and practices.
God’s Word is His voice. Reading and meditating on scripture is a great way to listen. Read it. Let it bounce around in your head and soak into your mind. God will bring scripture to mind in times of need. He can illuminate a passage as you read it, even if you’ve read it 100 times before. The Bible is indeed the Living Word of God.
Times of quiet reflection are also helpful. Perhaps simply pause during your prayer time. Just wait and reflect on what you’ve prayed. Be available and alert for new thoughts. There have been many times when I’ve felt God speak to me as I’ve reviewed thoughts and prayers. He has never spoken to me audibly, but He has with some. He joins me in my thoughts, in the quietness. He waits until my heart is ready to listen. I know when it’s God, because He speaks a concept that I could not emotionally or mentally reach on my own.
Has there been a time in your life when you sensed God speaking to you? How do you listen? In a world full of busyness and constant contact it can be difficult to simply wait and listen. It is a practice well worth the effort! God doesn’t have voice mail. Don’t leave a message and hang up. Carry on a conversation. Listen.
Scriptures to consider this week:
Psalm 139
Hebrews 13:5-8
Acts 10:30-33
Revelation 3:14-22*
Psalm 81
*Verse 20 is typically thought to refer to unbelievers, but notice the context. It is stated to the Church; believers. How does that change the verse for you?
I can remember years ago that a good friend an I were talking about a decision her husband had to make about moving. I laughed and said wouldn’t it be great if God could just drop a sign down from heaven and tell us what to do.. Although that would be great truth is He does talk to us if we listen. I have grappled with so many decisions in the past and discovered that praying and reading his word usually wil end with an answer. Sometimes it comes from someone saying something to actually finding a verse that helps. I always visualize myself sitting at Jesus’s feet when I pray and it comforts as I can actually feel his presence. Sometimes if I’m doing dishes or laundry & as I talk or complain that dirty clothes are like a fungus it just keeps growing & to him i will wonder if I’m boring him. But I actually feel that He just smiles & says no child you are not.. He love and wants us to come to him no matter how insignificant we think it is. He’s always ready to listen, comfort, and guide us.
Yes! There have been many times that I would have appreciated a neon-lit sign! But not having those clear visuals has forced me to wait and listen more carefully to His leading; to take everything in. Sometimes God uses people, His Word, and even dreams! I love the picture you described of God smiling and enjoying you sharing your experiences and thoughts with Him. So precious and true. Thanks for sharing, Susan.
Hi Heather. I especially appreciated your “Are You There?” Essay today. It made me think of something in my home which I would like to share with you.
My sister who is a Christian and also one of my very favorite people and knows me best, gave me a a framed print, which I have hanging in a noticeable place in our house. The picture is one of a darling yellow lab pup sitting in a fishing boat, apparently waiting for its master to go duck hunting. The boat is called “Sweet Life” and there is a caption at the top that says Matthew 28:20 “Behold I am with you always.”
The picture could be interpreted more than one way, but the main idea is that God is always with us. Just another metaphor to remind us that we are never alone.
Diane, I’m so glad you shared this visual. What a wonderful gift. I debated about including the end of Matthew in this week’s scripture reading. Verse 20 is the very last verse of the book and it ends powerfully with Jesus’ parting words. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Those words are so powerful to me because I see that He was with those who came before me, He is with me now, and He is and will continue to be with those whom I will eventually leave behind. It is comfort for the present and the future. Thank you for sharing!