Article July 22, 1985 Issue

Learning to recognize God's voice

LIEBER ANKER

In reading the Old Testament we come across many instances of God's speaking to receptive individuals and of their recognizing His voice. The accounts of God's addressing the early patriarchs are impressive. They and other spiritually-minded people in the Bible clearly identified the voice of God. The reason is that they were used to communing with Him in prayer, so He was no stranger to them. It was natural for them to turn to God to obtain assurance, guidance, and answers to all kinds of questions.

Communing with God, our heavenly Father, is natural for us too. Don't we expect an offspring to keep in touch with the parent he loves and the parent with the offspring? The Bible assures us: "Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it." Isa. 30:21.

Sometimes the need for the healing of a discord, physical or mental, sudden or prolonged, looms so large and urgent that our prayer, our talking to God, is all petition, a cry for help. But usually and rightfully, humble listening plays a part in our prayers. This listening for our Father's voice to counteract the clamor of discord might be termed "waiting on God." When we reach this point of listening and waiting, no struggle is involved, just patient trust. It is a point beyond petitioning, since listening implies expectancy of an answer.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Poem
Who, me?
July 22, 1985
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit