Lean in and Listen

Psalm 119-132-135
Turn my way, look kindly on me,
    as you always do to those who personally love you.
Steady my steps with your Word of promise
    so nothing malign gets the better of me.
Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women
    so I can live life your way.
Smile on me, your servant;
    teach me the right way to live.

Sometimes the word discernment gets a bad rap. We think we can't get anything done unless we have felt in our spirit or sensed the Word of God confirming or directing our next steps. We are frozen in place and don't move out in faith without discerning what to do.

These four verses were written by a a man who asked God for discernment, something we all should do daily. The reason to open up our Bible each morning is to seek God's Word, His direction. The Word is so alive that it does teach us, and direct us and so much more. God's Word comforts, confirms and carries us though another day with Him at our side.

When we apply Scripture to our daily tasks and concerns our Faith is ignited. Discernment comes into play as we seek to understand the words which lay open at our fingertips. The Life Application Bible Notes puts it this way - The Bible is like medicine: It goes to work only when we apply it to the affected areas. As you read the Bible, be alert for lessons, commands, or examples that you can put into practice.

Is there something tearing you apart? Are you worried?  Is there unending pain which you don't know how to stop? Are creditors knocking on the door daily? God has a Word for you and me. Open your Bible and ask God to speak; then listen close, for God's Word might be said in a whisper meant only for your heart.

Psalm 119:129-136

Psalm 46

Prayer is Whispering

Shhhhh, when you want to get someone’s attention,…… whisper.

It is amazing how hard others will try to hear what you are saying if you speak in a soft, quiet voice. If it’s being whispered it most certainly must be very secret, very important, or both. Our volume, intonation, pitch, etc. all contribute to the message we are trying to convey. God knows our heart, yet expects us to put our whole self into the messages we send Him. When we are hurting, we need to let him know, if circumstances have us at our wits end, sharing that with the Lord is what he wants us to do. During the times we have much to rejoice and be thankful for, He invites us to turn to Him giving grateful thanks and praise, and perhaps even an “Alleluia!”

Psalm 46:11 “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” He waits for us to clearly understand that He is always here for us and wants us to communicate with Him.

Just as there is a time for every season, so there is a time to shout to the Lord, and a time to send him a quiet whisper. Our God loves it when we sing out in praise and worship as we raise our hands to Him who has delivered us. He also patiently waits for us to…… here is that line again; “Be still, and know that I am God.”

What is most important is what is in our heart. When it’s time to sing out and lift our voice, hands and eyes upward, we are to do so. When the time is right to quietly cry out to God, or whisper our heart’s longings without saying a word aloud, God hears us just the same.

Please listen to “Better than a Hallelujah” by Amy Grant  THIS IS AWESOME! 

Listen to/Read Psalm 46  This is AWESOME TOO!