You probably have been at events or parties where you find yourself in a conversation with a few people and it is hard to get a word in, so you don’t say much. I have certainly found myself sitting with people at times, wanting to say a bit more or be more involved in a conversation, but there is just no space to speak. Some would say you just have to jump in and “force” your way into the conversation. However, that is not my style and if you have to do that, the other person or persons obviously aren’t that interested in what you have to say anyway. We are not always good at listening and often prefer the sound of our own voice, or to be disseminating information rather than creating space for others to share.
People sometimes say they wish that God would speak to them or that they would be able to hear his voice more. I wonder if half the problem at times is that we don’t give the Spirit space to speak; God is like the person hanging around who gets ignored or is never asked what they think. There are different ways we can create more space for God to speak to us, including things like solitude and silence, engaging more in prayer and reflection, being in nature and focusing on his beauty and creativity. However, one of the primary ways God speaks to us is through his Word, or his story if you like in the Bible. Regularly reading God’s Word has been for me one of the primary ways that I have learned to hear God’s voice, and gain discernment and wisdom about how he wants me to live my life and follow him.
We are only a few days into our January reading of Matthew’s gospel, but I have already been struck by how God has “spoken” to me and reminded me of things by just engaging in listening/reading, and then asking the three simple questions. Where is God in this reading? What is God saying to me personally through this reading? How can I apply that in my life today? It seems that when we give God space and time, and a medium to speak, and we ask the right questions, then he actually has a bit to say. We can tune in to a deeper truth that helps us make sense of our world, and gives us wisdom and some practical things about God’s very real call on us as followers of Jesus. This practice can be helpful on your own, but there is also a real benefit in reading Scripture with another person and asking the same simple questions together. Recently I have begun catching up with two other guys once a week to read scripture for about half an hour after work, and asking those same simple questions together. I have been amazed how helpful it has been. Can I encourage you, if you would like to experiment with that, to find another person or two and just start this simple practice. God wants to be heard, and he has already spoken so much if we are willing to give him the time to listen.
Grace and Peace - Garry