Asking the Lord’s opinion on matters, praying to Him and then waiting for His answer is not always easy. However, it is crucial that we, as followers of Yeshua practice this spiritual principle and become proficient in it. Practice makes perfect. The more we learn to first inquire of the Lord, the more natural it will become.
There are many hinderances and obstructions in our way, but we must overcome these obstacles. We need to also master the "social media" distraction.
We can all concur that social media either controls you, or you control it. No surprise there. Remember back in the days when we only had landlines to make phone calls, when you could spend a weekend or even a whole holiday without being disturbed by a phone ringing? Imagine that! A foreign concept to many people. In those days we were not constantly connected to other people.
Fast forward to 2024 and take a long hard look at that mobile device. Is it ruling your life? A teenager in one of my groups once said this to me: "I wish I could have grown up back in the days before cell phones." An impactful statement from a generation that only know mobile devices. That should be food for thought.
The point is, we live in times with so much "online noise", that we cannot hear our Lord and Savior's voice anymore. We are more "connected" to online sermons, podcasts and YouTube teachings, yet we seem more disconnected than ever from our Father.
We should embrace solitude and silence for in the stillness, tranquility and peacefulness, there we will hear the Holy Spirit speaking. Try and spend time in nature. In serenity and quietness is where you can easily speak to God.
May we be encouraged to dim and mute our "online world", so that the Holy Spirit can help us bring His Word into sharp focus and hear His Voice distinctly and clearly. It will be to our own benefit if we hear correctly and then obey. How glorious will it be when we can stay in rhythm with our Lord and Saviour, until only a soft whisper of the Holy Spirit is necessary. God wants us to inquire of Him. Get into the habit of automatically consulting Him first before running to another person for an answer. God will train us in this, because it is necessary to discern His voice above the clamour of the world. We will definitely be tested on this issue!
Consciously include God in all the decisions you make. Do not lean on your own understanding.
David was a man after God's own heart. A man of prayer. Nine times* David sought the Lord's will and counsel, before acting on his own. David had mighty men of valour surrounding him, including 200 men of Issachar who knew the times and seasons. Yet, despite easy access to so many advisers, he chose to first inquire of the Lord! There is the key! We so easily take a shortcut and run after "men", but the Bible teaches us to run to God first and foremost. Don't rely on the arm of man, on soulish knowledge. Go to the Source of Wisdom. The answers don't always come immediately but wait with expectation! Grow in your relationship with God. James 4:8 "Come near to God and He will come near to you."
Isaiah 55:3 "Give ear and come to Me; hear Me that your soul may live." v 6 "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call on Him while He is near." Ps. 32:8 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will guide you with My eye."
May these Words strengthen you when you pray and inquire of the Lord.
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*9 times David inquired of the Lord:
- 1 Sam. 23:1-3
- 1 Sam. 23:4
- 1 Sam. 23:10-11
- 1 Sam. 23:12-14
- 1 Sam. 30:8-9
- 2 Sam. 2:1-2
- 2 Sam. 5:17-21
- 2 Sam. 5:22-25
- 2 Sam. 21:1
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