“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22 (NIV)
Listening sounds simple until God asks us to do something uncomfortable. It is easy to listen to a sermon about forgiveness. It is harder to forgive the person who hurt us. It is easy to hear God say, “Trust Me.” It is harder to trust Him when the future is uncertain. It is easy to read, “…Be strong and courageous…” (Joshua 1:9), but much harder to step forward when we feel afraid. God’s voice often calls us beyond what is comfortable and into what requires faith.
Think about Noah. God told him to build an ark even though there was no evidence of the coming flood. Noah listened – and then acted. Genesis 6:22 (NIV) says, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”
Mary also listened when God gave her an assignment that would completely change her life. Her response was one of surrender: “I am the Lord’s servant…May your word to me be fulfilled…” (Luke 1:38, NIV). That is what genuine listening looks like. It moves beyond hearing into obedience.
Sometimes God speaks, and we respond, “Lord, I’ll do it later.” Sometimes we say, “That doesn’t make sense.” Sometimes we compare God’s direction with what everyone else is doing. But delayed obedience is disobedience.
Perhaps God has been speaking to you about taking a step of faith, restoring a relationship, serving someone, changing an attitude, spending more time in His Word, or surrendering something you’ve been holding onto.
Maybe today isn’t about God saying something new. Maybe it’s time to finally respond to what He has already said. Psalm 95:7-8 (NIV) says, “…Today, if only you would hear his voice, ‘Do not harden your hearts…”
Today, God is speaking to us through His Word, directly into our hearts. Quiet the noise and say sincerely, “Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.” Then, when He speaks, listen with your heart, and obey with your life.
Prayer
Lord, help me to slow down and recognise Your voice amid life’s noise. Give me a heart that is willing not only to hear You but to obey You. Remove the distractions, fears, and excuses that keep me from responding to Your Word. Teach me to trust You even when I don’t understand everything. Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Read: Psalm 85:8; 1 Samuel 15:22
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 105:37-45; 2 Corinthians 8:16-24; 2 Corinthians 9:1-5; Isaiah 10:20-34; Isaiah 11; Isaiah 12; Isaiah 13