If I am completely transparent, I struggle with not hearing God like I desire to. I’m a believer, baptized at 11 years old. I was closer to 30 when I understood the reality of a life saved and what that should mirror. And allow me to be crystal clear, I AM A WORK IN PROGRESS.
Sometimes I look more like a cat drowning than I do a Jesus girl. But on this side of heaven’s door, I am pretty confident that Jesus expects progress over perfection. Hallelujah, amen! Certain days that mark of progress is all but lost, as well.
When I was a young teen, I got a hold of the book, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Judy Blume wrote this book for 6th grade, eleven-year-old girls. Far removed from that audience, how can I still relate?
While God speaks in various ways, he talks audibly only to some. I am not some. Unlike Moses, if I heard a voice coming from a burning bush, I’d most likely be babbling nonsense like Ricky Bobby instead of embracing my God-given appointed role.
Still, sometimes I think there is something wrong that I can’t hear Him better. Sometimes I feel left out. I second guess and wonder if it’s because I have my hands tightly smashed against my ears for fear of hearing my own screams or if He is just not speaking to me. Or perhaps my relentless pondering mind crowds out opportunities. The answer “nothing” has yet to be a personal response to the question, What are you thinking?
Undoubtedly a fundamental way he chooses to communicate with His people is through the bible. So I do better to read specific sections of it aloud. Still, I struggle with the one-to-one, two-part conversation outside of reading scripture.
I am fully aware that I have never been an auditory learner. Being a teacher for 25 years, I quickly notice the unique types of learners. I have also been on the student side of learning long enough to know that I comprehend better by seeing, doing, and touching. Like God doesn’t know that already?
Though pleasing if gifted that way, an audible voice is not necessary to know Him. So what do I do when I can’t hear God? I OPEN MY EYES, and I look for Him. His reflection appears much easier for me to locate than His voice.
In my husband’s daily determination to move forward in his health battles, I see Him. I see Him the minute my grandbabies are near, in my daughter’s faith and resolve regardless of challenges, and in my son stepping into the lead role in our business. I see him in my daughter-in-law as she cares for toddlers (especially after I fill in for a couple of hours so she can make a much-needed appointment, lol).
I see him in people and the reflection they emit. I see Him in extended family members and friends. I see him in my best friend when she sends me a funny meme at just the right time. I see Him in strangers. I see Him in a busy doctor 20 hours away that takes time to answer my emails and be part of our story. I see Him through people.
I see Him!
While I love seeing Him through people, I am also overwhelmed by seeing and feeling the Glory that HE is through nature, as well.
- sunsets and sunrises
- clouds
- raindrops
- snowflakes
- the ocean
- fall leaves
- thunderstorms
- the sunshine on my face
- the moon and stars
- trees (and the unique way the branches mirror the veins in our bodies)
People, the splendor of each season, and nature fill my eyes with God and His presence.
I plan to keep working at being a better listener, and in the meantime, I will keep my eyes wide open!
Hoping you find a place in my space. ♥
Reflection Question:
How do you best connect with and feel God’s presence?
1 Comment
Thank you so much Missy for using your God-given gift to write! I know it does your heart good to share and it does my heart good to read how God is working and providing for you! To God be the glory!