Ok, so you are in some challenging circumstances and you want to pray. That’s the right answer, right? Or maybe your daily devotional time is feeling a little worn or dried out. What’s the deal? It could be that you have unconsciously let go of God’s peace somewhere in your life and this is the consequence! If you are in this boat, try this quick checklist to see if you can discern the problem:
Ask for help
Ask God to show you the truth and help you receive it. Many times when we can’t hear God, it’s because on some level we are afraid we might not like what He has to say. If that is the case for you, confess it to Jesus and ask for His help. He wants to help you WANT to follow Him!
Phil 2:13 (AMPC)
Unforgiveness
Look for unforgiveness in your heart toward anyone, including yourself or even God. One way the devil can derail us in our walks with Jesus is to plant unforgiveness in our hearts toward ourselves or others. As we hold on to this poison, it hinders our ability to hear His voice. We need His constant supply of love, acceptance, and grace every minute of every day in order to live the victorious life God gives us in Christ! It is free for the asking, but if we hold on to unforgiveness, we stop the flow!
Ephesians 4:32 (NASB)
We have been called to walk in the Spirit in this life and that includes what He says about forgiveness. When we can’t hear Him about other “more important” issues, it may be because we aren’t listening to Him speak to us about forgiveness.
Worry
Worry can also steal our hears when it comes time to hear the Lord speaking to us. If our hearts and minds are so clouded with the worries of life—our bills, our health, our children’s future, our job—we lose our rest and the quiet place where we can hear His voice clearly.
Mark 4:18-19 (NASB)
When our thoughts are filled with worries, we are crowding out the Words and will of God for us today. He is speaking to us every day, all throughout the day, but we can’t hear it if we are meditating on all of our troubles or the troubles of others. That mental “worry talk” is louder in our hearts than God’s voice. Let’s quiet those worries and fears and remind them that God truly loves us and cares over us.
Matthew 6:32-34 (NASB)
God cares for you
He loves you! He wants you to know Him intimately and hear His voice daily. Start to meditate on these things and see the fruit in your life change from frustration and fear to peace and trust in your Good Father. He is watching over you right now with every answer you seek. Just let these things go and ask.
Sharon Fletcher
Author, Teacher, Speaker