Some describe it as a still small voice. Others ‘hear’ through the sage advice of brothers and sisters. Then there’s Words that leap to life and stir up the abundant life in our hearts.

Hearing from God isn’t as planned, controllable, or easy.

Waiting. Straining. Desiring the next step so desperately. Clinging to Hope.

“If you do these things. . . then when you call, the Lord will answer, ‘Yes, I am here.’ he will quickly reply.” {Isaiah 58:8-9}

Quickly reply? Refreshing. Like a conversation we’re used to.

What are ‘these’ things that have God rushing to our side, ready to answer our questions, guide our life, still our heart?

• Fast so that others may be free.
• Stop oppression.
• Treat others fairly.
• Share your food with those that are hungry.
• Welcome the poor into your home.
• Give clothes to those that need them.
• Do not hide from those that need your help. {Isaiah 58:6-7}

Then, He promises us that our Light will shine. {Doesn’t that sound wonderful?} Our light will be so bright, darkness will shrink back in horror and be overtaken by the life we’re living.

My pride bucks and I politely scream, “But what about me? The lists seems all about someone else. I want to know the good plans God has for me.”

And then God promises to ‘guide us continually, watering our lives when we are dry and keeping us healthy.” {Isaiah 58:10-11}

{I don’t know about you but I’m feeling dry. Dried up to help others. Tired and weary. It’s enough to handle what’s on my own plate. But He still promises to keep us healthy, both in body and perspective. To water our dry hearts so that we might flourish for Him when we’ve already given all we can.}

Through Holy Spirit power revelation and the beauty of sanctified growing pains, I hear God whispering to my always searching, whining, never content soul.

I’m looking for the still small voice, the laying out of next steps and great plans. But while I seek Him for my needs, I’ve missed the pie for the slice.

I’ve somehow forgotten why I lean in to hear His words; That His hot breath can warm my ears and make my eyes blurry with tingling love. I can be intertwined with His Spirit in mine. I can know, that I know that He loves me and I Him. I can ‘see’ Him all around in this bright light that He’s creating through me. I can experience Him through the eyes of another, the ones He asks me to serve. I can be with him, live with him, breathe Him in, remember the white-as-snow-pure love that He willingly clothed me in.

I remember His whispers are for Him and them, ‘to love God with all my heart and love others as I do myself.’  That is to follow. That is to listen. I must obey, then “my godliness will lead me forward and the glory of the Lord will protect me.” {Isaiah 58:8}

I, again, just want to be with Him.

I asked Him for guidance and direction. He whispers the secrets. As I lean in to hear His whisper from eternity, I bow to His throne and am closer to those who need His help and the plan He has for my life.

by Stephanie Bryant, co-founder of (in)courage and Creative Mastermind at S. Bryant Social Marketing.

Leave a Comment