Ask The Pastor

January 20, 2007

> Over the years, I have always been taught that we should be able to
> 'hear that small still voice'. Could you give me more input on this?

Karla,

I can probably help you in this area.

> I have to admit that I have prayed and prayed and prayed that I would
> 'hear' (understanding that it is not necessarily audible but rather
> spiritual) Him but most of the time I just feel completely
> lost/wandering. The scripture "my sheep know my voice" frightens me
> because I feel like I am wandering aimlessly with no clear
> direction/purpose from Him.

The key is merely in prayer. The key is knowing where to hear the small still voice. First let me relate a story that speaks to this:

Some years ago I sister from another church asked me if I would come to her home to counsel her daughter who was in a divorce situation. After talking with the daughter it seemed that she was doing fine.

Then I found out that the mom needed help. As I stood at the door about to leave, the mom said, "Brother Martin, I hear others talk about how the Bible is alive to them. It isn't that way for me.'

Instantly the Lord put in my heart what her problem was. This is what I shared. Many believers read the Bible to gather information or for some other purpose. They don't realize that the Bible is actually a living book. And because it is alive, the voice of God can be found there. The Bible will always be God's primary speaking place.

This is what I told her --- If she would read the Bible as though she were looking into the eyes of God, the Bible would come alive. Then I gave her a Scripture. You may wish to meditate on Hebrews 4:12-13:

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."

This is a wonderful portion of Scriptures for believers. (Think on it.)

Anyway, the sister called me very soon and said, "Brother Buddy, the Bible has come alive."

Karla, I think this is your key. Listen to one more Scripture:

"'For My hand made all these things, thus all these things came into being,' declares the Lord. 'But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, AND WHO TREMBLES AT MY WORD." (Isaiah 66:2 nasb. Caps for emphasis only.)

Sis, you have to train your spirit and your ears to hear the still small voice. At the same time you must learn to tune out any other voice that would wish to speak to your thoughts.

Don't worry. The Holy Spirit will help you with this.

Hope I've helped just a bit.

Blessings,

Buddy

Bro. Buddy Martin - Ask the Pastor

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Lawrence "Buddy" Martin
email: Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org
Web: http://www.ChristianChallenge.org