As a pastor, I’ve been asked from time to time; how do you hear from God? Is that a question in your life? Is it something you’re struggling with? This post may help you overcome in that area.
Cell phones have changed the way our society works. We no longer have to wait until we’re home to place a call or check our messages. In one way it makes things a little easier for people to connect.
But there are some downsides as well. Have you ever gotten a call from someone who’s standing on a busy street corner? They’re trying to have an intelligent conversation with you, but all you can hear are traffic, sirens, and the roar of people in the background.
It’s gotten to the point where I’ve had to tell them, “Wait until you’re inside with the door shut, then try calling me back.”
What does this have to do with hearing from God? Everything!!!
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:6
This was how Jesus operated. On many occasions in the Gospels, we see Him going to a secluded location and spending time in prayer. He’s our example. There’s no question that the Lord heard and obeyed the voice of the Father.
That brings to mind an interesting question. The Son of God had to close the door on distractions in order to hear from the Father. What makes us think that the distractions all around us will have no effect on our prayer life?
Jesus had no cell phone, internet, TV, or IPad to distract Him. With all these things, screaming for our attention, we have to find a quiet place.
You’re inability to hear from God might not be so much about spiritual deafness as much as it’s “listening overload.” There might be so many things coming at you all the time that you can’t recognize which is the voice of God.
You need to close the door on distractions if you want your prayer time to be productive. Learn to spend quality time in the presence of the Lord. Then, just be quiet for a while and hear what the Holy Spirit is speaking to you.
Questions: Where do you go to spend time with the Lord? How do you close the door on distractions?
© Nick Zaccardi 2014
The Spirit and the Word 