Blessed To Hear

Matthew 13:16 says, “But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.”

A recurring theme lately has been hearing the voice of God. I am convinced that growing our awareness of God’s word and increasing our sensitivity to his leadership is crucial for a life of active faith. An incredible blessing comes from seeing and hearing the truth of God’s kingdom.

I am reminded that God is faithful to speak to his people. His word goes out to us, but we do not always listen. Sometimes the busyness of life, stress, and distractions keep us from perceiving the work of the Spirit.

That is why we take time daily to humble ourselves before God and listen. Hearing God’s voice can be challenging, but coming before him is the first step to developing the spiritual ears to hear God’s word.

Jesus taught us in the gospel of John that worship and prayer are not limited to the church building or church events. God speaks and moves everywhere that we would call on his name. Your living room, bedroom, or office can be as holy a place as the sanctuary of your home church.

Coming before God means pausing and asking God to help you. You may not experience anything the moment you pray to him. There is no rulebook for how we encounter God. He meets us in the ways that he chooses. Sometimes it is emotional comfort, sometimes a revelation, and other times a deep soul renewal. Most often in the way we least expect it.

It is easy to fixate on an expectation for a specific experience or way that we want God to work in our lives. It is understandable to long to relive past moments with God. I encourage you to shift your desire to know God and be known by God. Jesus says that we are blessed when we see and hear. That tells me that God is speaking and moving right now. Could it be that the blessing is participation in God's active and present move?

We are all invited into this story. Every single one of us has been beckoned to engage with the kingdom's work. It can start today in a moment of prayer where you take another step in hearing God’s voice and noticing his works.

• Sign up for Abiding Daily text messages.

  Abiding happens daily in his presence. Abiding Daily is a simple and practical reminder to stay connected to the vine. Each prompt is inspired by the scriptures and designed to point you toward prayer and encounter. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To get the Daily Invitation sent to you every day click this link or text “Daily” to +1 (779) 237-3914.

• Order a copy of Abiding Daily: Volume One – Our first devotional book.

  Our first devotional book is available on our online store! Abiding Daily: Volume One is a devotional book including 120 prompts from the Daily Invitation. This book is designed to help believers connect with God through the word and discover more of what it means to abide in Christ. Click here to learn more.