WHOSE VOICE?

When we are in the midst of trouble, sometimes our own voice, even a voice calling out to God for help, drowns out what He is trying to tell us.

Is your voice louder than God's voice right now?

For example:
You say: I'm so worried about everything…and everyone!
GOD says: Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let our requests be known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

You say: I'm afraid of losing my job, being downsized or being physically unable to work in the coming years.
GOD says: But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things (food, drink, clothing) will be yours as well. Matthew 6:33

You say: I'm petrified. Medical test show that something is terribly wrong.
GOD says: Do not be afraid. I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine. Isaiah 43:1-3

You say: I am so angry…how can I ever forgive…..
GOD says: Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times? No, Jesus replied, but seven times seven. Matthew 18:20-22

You say: I am so depressed, so sad.
GOD says: Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a watered garden, like an overflowing spring. Isaiah 58:10-11

You say: I don't know what to do next.
GOD says: If any of you lack wisdom, ask God who gives all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him. James 1:5

What are YOU saying right now? What is GOD saying?
He is speaking…are we listening?

'Reflections of God's Glory' copyright 2012 by Dawn Ulmer deu49097@yahoo.com

Please feel free to share any and all Reflections.

A VOICE

A friend of mine who lives in California, recently completed his first CD entitled “Western State O’ Mind”. It is filled with traditional western songs reminiscent of Gene Autry days. Included also are songs he has written, all of which are accompanied by his guitar or mandolin.

Recently he and his wife sent me a copy. Because I have known this friend since high school and college days, I wondered if I would recognize his voice?

Listening to it, I could hear the essence of who my friend was and is to this day. I could hear the warmth, the delight in what he had created, the good humor, the kindness, the contentment and the discipline of hard work.

As I was listening to him sing, I realized for the first time what a personal thing a voice is. It is uniquely ours. No other person in the world has our voice. God deals with us in unique ways which are reflected not only in our physical voice but the voice behind our voice.

I began to think about God’s voice. He, too, has a distinctive voice, like no other. As we come to know Him, we come to know His voice. If we listen, we will hear words of love, encouragement, peace, wisdom, joy, patience, instruction, kindness, correction, goodness, gentleness, comfort…and any other word we may need at the moment.

If we listen to Jesus (you know, the red letters in your Bible), you will also come to know God’s voice and, thus, to know Him and His essence.

Yes, sometimes God’s voice thunders as in Psalm 29. But usually God speaks in a still, small voice, heard only by those who truly want to hear what He has to say.

“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, there was a fire. But the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire was the sound of a gentle whisper.”
I Kings 19:11-12.

Heavenly Father, please open my ears and my heart to Your voice so that I may heed Your slightest whisper. In Jesus’ name. Amen.