Knowing the Word

I should have expected the question.

She was new to our little group, her life laced with hardships. Poor choices, drugs, death. All of the fears and loss and addictions seemed to pile up. When she talked, I ached. God, reveal Yourself to her. Display Your grace and mercy in her life. 

And then she looked at me. Her blue eyes were glassy with tears. The name of the daughter she had lost was tattooed across her arm. “How do I even know if I’m hearing God? What kind of things does He even say?”

Oh, God. What kind of things do You say? What would You say now?

Then it’s there, in my mind. The name He gives to the church of Pergamum in Revelation 2. To each church He identifies Himself according to their struggles and trials. To this church he says,

These are the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.

Which brings to mind another verse from the book of Hebrews:

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword… (Hebrews 4:12)

We know God’s voice by knowing His Word. Scripture is the measuring line of truth.

This was the warning to the church in Pergamum: know what is true. They were being led astray by wrong doctrine, and Jesus, through John, called them to repentance. Turn back to the Word. Turn back to Truth.

When we know the Word, we know truth. When we know truth, we know Christ. When we know Christ, we know the voice of God.

How do we know if we are hearing God’s voice? We immerse ourselves in His Word. 

[pullquote]As we pour Scripture into our hearts, we train our ears to identify the voice of God in our lives. [/pullquote]

 

Oh, Father– teach me to know the sound of Your voice. May I always be able to tell what is true.

 

 

Join me over the next few weeks as I share Word Snacks from the book of Revelation! Sign up below to get new posts emailed directly to your inbox, or follow me on Facebook (just go here). As always, thank you for sharing posts with your friends!