Do You Hear What I Hear?

God is talking to us all the time through so many channels! Frequently, what I hear is very different than what you hear. Have you ever wondered why that is? Why what may apply to you does not apply to all people? Or, why we think that if God tells us something we should do or can’t do that it must apply to everyone in our traffic pattern? And the whole wide world for that matter!

The truth is, often it simply does not apply to anyone but the individual HE is talking to. We know that the 10 commandments apply to all, they are black and white. However, there are things that only apply to you or me, because God knows us individually. After all HE created us and HE knows the beginning, the end, and all the chapters in between of our story. He knows what is good for us and what is bad for us. That applies to us for protection, for prevention, and because it will bring glory to HIM.

There are times that I clearly hear from God! Sometimes it is through His Word, sometimes through other people; other times through creation or meditation. One of the many things I’ve learned is that recurrently HE is speaking directly to me and me only. Before this occurred to me that sometimes HIS message was for my information, conviction, correction or affirmation, I would hear HIM and make what HE said a new law for ALL to hear and to abide by. Just ask my poor husband, he can attest to this fact! This became a place of judgment for me; not my being judged, but my judging others based on what God was saying to me.

One example was being at church every time the doors were open. I could even line this up with scripture, (Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching,”). I would scan the audience on Sundays and any other event and think, “hmmmmm, I wonder why…..” and my mind would come up with judgey scenarios of why ‘ole so and so was not there, which in turn would make me miss the whole reason I was there. Then one day, I clearly heard God say something like this, “it’s really none of your business why they are not here, I asked you to come, and that’s all you need to worry about.” That cured me. Anytime I’m tempted to place my convictions on someone else, I hear, “it’s really none of your business.”

I learned that everyone will not hear what I hear.

If you experience such things, try this: Next time God speaks to you, bask in the realization that HE is talking to you! Thank HIM for taking time out of HIS busy schedule to bring life to an area of your being that needs HIS voice. Feel free to ask HIM if this is something to share or if it is a secret or mystery that He is sharing just with you. (Daniel 2:28"However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries…”) He will tell you. You see, HE is a personal God. He knows you by name and one of HIS greatest pleasure is HIS relationship with you as HE watches you become more like HIM and sees your character changing to HIS image. This will bring glory to HIM, and intimacy to your relationship with HIM.  Remember that we each have a personal relationship with HIM, which sometimes simply means, it’s just a you and HIM conversation. Finally, if you feel compelled to place your convictions on others consider this, HE also speaks to them!