Day 18
Today's Scripture:
Proverbs 2:1-6
Key Verse:
Proverbs 2:2
"So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding."
The Point:
A Listening Heart - Attuned to God’s Voice
As children, we learned quickly to recognize the voice of our mom and dad. It is natural for us to hear their voice above all others. Similarly, when we trust Jesus Christ as our Savior, we should learn at an early age to recognize God's voice. We read about Samuel in scripture and see a great example of learning to listen to God early in our walk with Him. 1 Samuel 3:10 provides the account of Samuel's response to God's call, "And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."
Today's Scripture, Proverbs 2:1-6, records the pleading of concerned father (Solomon) for his son (Rehoboam) to hear his instruction about the need to listen to God for wisdom. In this case we don't have a record of Rehoboam's response but as you read through Proverbs, Solomon repeats this plea many times indicating Rehoboam may not have taken heed. Rehoboam's reign as king of Israel demonstrates he should have listened to his dad and God!
One more quick example from the life of Elijah. Elijah had run from Jezebel, who was probably to most wicked queen in Israel's history. Wow, did he run, he ran all the way from Israel to Mt. Horeb where Moses had met with God some 500 years earlier. 1 Kings 19:12 records the moment when Elijah was ready to listen to God, "And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."
A revived heart is one that listens intently for God's voice. Wisdom and understanding begin when we incline our ears and open our hearts to hear what God is speaking. This requires intentionality, a willingness to be still, to set aside distractions, and to seek His guidance above all else. God still speaks through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. God often speaks in gentle whispers, through Scripture, prayer, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
A revived heart is attentive, ready to obey His voice. This is called "Walking in the Spirit" (Gal 5:16). This is when we Obey the prompt of the Holy Spirit and act accordingly. When our hearts are tuned to listen, we grow in discernment and obedience, allowing God's wisdom to shape our lives.
Prayer Time
Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:
- Am I making space daily to listen for God's voice?
- Do I respond quickly when He prompts me?
- How can I become more attentive and responsive to His guidance?
- What is God saying to me today?
Praise:
- Praise God for how He spoke to in the past when He saved you.
- Praise God that you trust Him to speak to you through His Word.
Intercessory Prayers:
- Ask God to speak to the heart of someone you know who is lost.
- Ask God to speak to the heart of someone you know who has fallen away into unfaithfulness to church.
Petitions:
- "Lord, make me still before You and quick to obey. Open my heart to hear You clearly, Lord. Please speak to me and Help me to listen with humility and act with faith."
Action Step:
To learn to hear His voice, Pray and ask God who He would like you to encourage today. Pause and listen for the name of someone. Then thank God for speaking to you. Ask God how he would like you to encourage them. Phone call, note, text? Then pray for that person, and reach out through that means and let them know how important they are to you and that you prayed for them that God would bless them today. Set aside quiet time today to listen prayerfully, asking God to speak and give you clarity for your next steps as you read the scripture.