God speaks to us in a number of ways. But the main way we hear from God is through the Bible. The Scriptures are also the means by which we evaluate the other ways God can speak to us such as through prophecy, dreams and the Holy Spirit. That’s why Bible study is so important in the life of a Christian.
Of course, what God is saying to us through His Word is of no practical value to us if we fail to grasp what He is saying.
Occasionally, my morning starts out like this: I get up and pray and then I do my personal Bible study. As I am studying, I drift off and think about the things ahead for my day. That means I am not giving God my undivided attention. When I have finished my study, I reflect and realize I haven’t heard much of what God said. Yes, I read what He said, but I heard very little.
When I catch myself doing this, I start over and make myself pay attention. I am sure that’s happened to some of you before. I know because some believers I know have shared that with me.
So, what about you? Did you hear what God said to you this morning through His Word? It’s not enough simply to read what God says. We should strive to hear what He is saying to us through His Word.
Perhaps some of you use one of the many plans out there for reading the Bible through in a year. And sometimes, you are just putting your time in for the day. By that I mean you are just trying to get through the several chapters needed to stay on schedule with the plan. But as you read, it is vital that you strive to hear from God.
It’s not what we merely read in the Bible but what we hear also that edifies and changes us.
What It Means to Hear What God Said
I believe all of us have our favorite books or portions of the Bible. I will admit to you that I am not thrilled about reading the book of Leviticus. Nonetheless, I read each verse just as carefully as I read any other portion of the Bible.
Why? Because Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Note the phrase “every word.” All of the Word of God is life-giving. Partaking of it regularly is essential to becoming and remaining healthy and vibrant in our Christian faith.
Last but not least, when the Bible talks about hearing God, it’s not talking about hearing with our ears only but also hearing with our heart. To hear what God said means to incline your heart to understand and to give heed to what He is saying.
You can accomplish that objective only if you give God your undivided attention. Remember, when you study the Bible, God is speaking to you.
So, one more time, did you hear what God said to you this morning (or last night or yesterday) through His Word?
Frank King is pastor of the English-speaking congregation at the Hinesville Korean Full Gospel Church, 758 Tupelo Trail, Hinesville, GA, 31313.