The Four Cs of Listening When God Speaks

We long for God to speak to us, but we don’t always want to listen to what He says. It hurts when He confronts us with the ugly parts of ourselves, but recognizing our sinfulness is a vital benefit of reading God’s Word. Without conviction, there can be no repentance that restores our relationship with God.

The pain of conviction is a blessing, and it’s not the only blessing God speaks to us through His Word.

The Four Cs of Listening When God Speaks

When God speaks to us through His Word, it’s often in one or more of four areas:

Character: He reveals more of Who He Is. Wow.

Comfort: He breathes healing into an ache or emptiness. Ahhh.

Confirmation: He lets us know we’re on the right track. Yes!

Conviction: He points out where we’re going wrong and need to yield. Ouch.

Character

Listen When He Speaks kicked off with a strong reminder of Who God Is. He is worthy of praise. Other passages in these first two weeks have demonstrated His holiness, and His willingness to let us experience the consequences of choosing our own way instead of His. He does chastise us, and it hurts. But His goal is not to harm us, but redeem us. He loves us. And He loves us enough to want what’s best for us. What’s best is always Him – His will, His way.

Comfort

Knowing that we serve an Almighty God who loves us, brings comfort as we live in harmony with His commands to worship Him and to love others. I find it comforting that through my struggles with depression and anxiety, I can cooperate with God to bring His comfort to others. He has reminded me in these first two weeks of 2017 that my old self is dead, and now I truly live. The new life God gave me is hidden with Jesus Christ in Him (Colossians 3:3).

It is also comforting to remember that although we pass through dry seasons, eventually, in His time, we will be satisfied. I appreciate the imagery of not only plenty of water, but also TREES growing where the land had been inhospitable and barren (Isaiah 41:17-20). Dry spells and plenty are both meant to remind of us of the worthiness of our God to receive all our worship and trust.

Confirmation

We all have experiences we wouldn’t have chosen. I wouldn’t have chosen to have a glitch in my brain that throws it completely sideways into darkness so deep I despair. But through it all, God is faithful. When we give Him our broken pieces, He makes something new and beautiful. Something useful. In brokenness and despair, I have been given grace and hope… to save me, and to share with others. I have found purpose through pain. Fruit of Brokenness is a vital way I give what is given to me.

I’ve always struggled with self-doubt and second-guessing, and I’ve trusted my judgment less since bouts with suicidal depression. The first days of Listen When He Speaks were wonderful for me, as I read confirmation that I’m on the right track in this new season.

Conviction

The conviction that accompanied the confirmation that gave me confidence in the direction I’m taking with Fruit of Brokenness, was gentle. God reminded me I must remind myself of Truth while, and before, I share it with others. I must speak Truth to myself constantly, as I’m forgetful. Conviction is getting closer to the quick this week. I’m not squirming so much as turning down my listening ears, so to speak. It reveals a hardness of heart, as well as a misunderstanding of God’s character. Choosing my own (lack of) wisdom and elevating temporary feelings over eternal Truth can only lead to heartache.

I would appreciate prayer that I would truly listen to God speaking to me in this area, and break through long-standing strongholds. Feel free to comment or contact me with your prayer requests.

Elevating temporary feelings over eternal Truth can only lead to heartache. #ListenWhenHeSpeaks Click To Tweet

 

Hope in the Body of Christ

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:23-24

One theme God has pointed out to me in the Listen When He Speaks reading so far, is the importance of Christian fellowship. We need each other in the Body of Christ. There is an important corporate aspect to repentance and revival.

How about you?

I’d love to hear how God is speaking to you through His Word, and how you’re listening as He speaks. Comment below!

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