{"id":1077,"date":"2024-12-01T00:00:45","date_gmt":"2024-12-01T06:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/?p=1077"},"modified":"2024-11-30T08:34:12","modified_gmt":"2024-11-30T14:34:12","slug":"listening-to-god-reflection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/listening-to-god-reflection\/","title":{"rendered":"Listening to God Reflection"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This year we dove deep into the topic of listening. We talked about how God listens to us by looking at the story of Hagar who encountered \u2018the God of seeing\u2019 (Genesis 16:13) and named her son Ishmael – \u2018God hears\u2019 (Genesis 16:11).<\/p>\n

We talked about listening to God<\/strong> by approaching Him with the right posture – one of stillness, humility, openness, expectation, and delight. And how we can recognize God\u2019s voice by learning the tone of his voice which makes us feel peaceful when He gives direction and convicted (but not ashamed) when He brings correction.<\/p>\n

We looked at how listening to others<\/strong> can affirm them, strengthen them and help them make sense of their own reality. We also looked at how we can listen well to both praise and criticism so that they lead to growth instead of discouragement or pride.<\/p>\n

Finally, we talked about the painful reality of when God seems silent and how we can remain faithful in those desert times.<\/p>\n

As we reach the end of this year\u2019s focus, we want to give a final charge to listen well<\/strong>. There are MANY reasons not to. Many of us have tried to listen well to others -to sit with them in their pain or understand their lives – and it\u2019s been uncomfortable or poorly received. We have seen others declare a word from God that seems very different from our own understanding of God. Or we thought we heard a clear message from God, only to take steps that don\u2019t seem to turn out for our good.<\/p>\n

But despite these pitfalls, we want to be people who step out and listen.<\/p>\n

Be Bold and Listen to God<\/strong><\/p>\n

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, \u2018This is the way, walk in it\u2019. Isaiah 30:21<\/em><\/p>\n

Others have gotten it wrong and maybe you have too, but we can rest in the truth that God is speaking to us<\/strong>. If our hearts are truly surrendered (and we will feel convicted if they\u2019re not) then we will hear from God. And if we get it wrong, God is active. He will keep speaking and will get us back on track. This is the job of the Holy Spirit who was sent to teach, help us remember the words of Jesus, guide, and declare what is to come (John 14:26, 16:13)<\/p>\n

We have no reason to fear but can confidently follow the voice of our Good Shepherd (John 10:27).<\/p>\n

Be Bold and Listen to Others<\/strong><\/p>\n

Maybe it\u2019s been awkward at times, maybe people have criticised, but God didn\u2019t promise us a comfortable life. He called us to love our neighbours. So get out of your comfort zone and proactively seek ways to listen to others. See it as your greatest ministry. And also proactively invite others to speak the hard truths into your life.<\/p>\n

These devotions are intended for personal reflection as you look back on a year of growing in listening.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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