Listening to the Voice of God
Scripture
Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
– Isaiah 30:20-21, NRSV
Reflection
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘this is the way, walk in it.’” The canopy atop my four-post bed ruffled ever so slightly as if billowing in the wind and the words were heavy in my ears. Not in a bad way, the words were full of gravitas and it was like my heart was a shoreline and the words were a wave.
They crashed into me, engulfing me in their frothy substance: a promise. I had just graduated from college and was really struggling to find my way. I decided to read through some of my favorite books of the Bible for encouragement. In a hard time of looking for a job and trying to find my place in the world as a brand-new college grad, these words were balm and blessing.
In our worship, if I am doing the welcome, I invite participants to listen for the still, small voice of God speaking to them in song, prayer, or sermon. Every opportunity in life is a chance to hear a voice behind us saying “this is the way, walk in it.” I find this very comforting. I’ve often looked back on that day when though everything felt uncertain, I felt grounded and guided by God’s spirit with and within me. Looking back at that time helps me through the current difficulties we are facing together, and the nuanced hardships we face as individuals. Remember, today and always, that God is with you. Whether you turn to the right or the left, the spirit of God will guide you. Just listen.
Exercise
Take some time today to listen for the still, small voice of God speaking to you. What do you hear? How will you respond? Journal what you are hearing, and how you are being called to respond, or spend some time in prayer or meditation. This is a good foundation for a vibrant practice of listening for the still, small voice of God speaking to you throughout your life.
Sara Robb-Scott, Pastor for Senior Adults and Pastoral Care, First Baptist Church of Decatur