I recently wrote a post that mentioned Mary Geegh’s book on listening prayer entitled “God Guides” and since then I have been trying to listen to God in the manner that Mary did.
It isn’t easy to listen to God. There are way too many noises in our world today to hear the soft voice of our Creator. I have turned off the noise of the stereo, but I still hear the freeway off in the distance. I have no TV but I hear the tree-trimmers off in the distance. I hear my own voice telling me what I think I need to do and often when I do hear God speak, my on voice speaks over it because it thinks that I know best. I don’t. But still my pride thinks that I know what is best for my life.
A long time ago, I taught myself how to meditate as a Buddhist would. It was in these times of meditation that I would find peace with myself. Sadly I was still at odds with Jesus but, thankfully, my salvation was to come later. In these times of quiet meditation I learned how to discern between the different voices that I heard in my head and heart. Through the use of similar practices, I am going to start listening to what God has to tell me. Though, this time instead of internal peace and relaxation, my focus will be Jesus, His glory and His will for my life. I no longer follow the teachings of the Buddha, but those of Jesus Christ. I will listen to what the Holy Spirit says. I will listen to God’s guidance. I will listen to what He wants me to do and I will obey.
I will listen and obey. What good is listening if I don’t obey? I would be better off being ignorant and not knowing, than knowing and not doing. We are called to live lives of obedience to God and His commands. 2John 1:6 says “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”
I choose to walk in obedience and obedience is love. I will love my God and my neighbor. I will listen to the commands of God. I am not perfect and I never will be, but from this day forth I strive to live in obedience and love, to the benefit of all.
