He who has ears to hear, let him hear! (Matthew 11:15 NKJV).
When Jesus commands His followers to “hear”, He is instructing us to pay attention, to quiet our hearts and minds and really consider the words that He taught, for they are God’s voice—even though the words were penned in ancient millennia, the words of the Old and New Testaments of scripture are alive, for God is alive, and His Word is His breath and revelation—He is actively speaking.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever. (Isaiah 40:8 NIV).
As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in Him. (Psalm 18:30 NIV).
For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. (Psalm 33:4 NIV).
Today the world is overrun by voices of concern and warning, and it is important to listen, and understand the times we live in. But how much more important is it to hear God’s voice during uncertain times, because He is sustaining creation, literally, holding all things together, by the power of His Word.
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being,sustaining all things by his powerful word. (Hebrews 1:3a NIV).
Here are just four reasons to read, pray and meditate on God’s word to hear His voice in your life today.
1. Because you will find faith.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17 NKJV).
Faith is called a “shield” in the book of Ephesians (6:16). When Satan, the enemy of your life, shoots an arrow of doubt or fear for your wellbeing or that of your family, faith will shield you. And faith is planted in your heart by God’s Word. Don’t let a day go by without hearing His voice through His word to strengthen the shield of faith around your life and that of your family.
2. Because you will find food for your soul.
Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4).
Confusion and delusion are just a couple of the symptoms of starvation. If the news, or a diagnosis, or anything is leading you to wild, fearful thoughts, or just confusing your mind, it could be that your soul is hungry, thirsty and dry. The word of God will fill your soul like food and drink, restoring your health, your sharpness and acuity.
…as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. (1 Peter 2:2 NKJV)
O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. (Psalm 63:1 NLT).
3. Because you will find wisdom.
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV).
Nothing will shape your worldview, correct your misconceptions, and help you see the beauty of God, like hearing God’s voice through His Word. His voice cuts through everything that is a little off, or misinformed, and brings truth, and balance. We are not automatically wired this way, it comes only from being taught the wisdom of God by the Holy Spirit over the course of life.
4. Because you will be healed.
… and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. (Luke 5:15 NKJV).
People came to Jesus for both reasons, to hear, and to be healed, but found the one led to the other. When you fill your life with the Word of God, discover the faith, food, and wisdom that can only come from the Breath of God to your soul, you will be healed. Your Spirit is renewed, your soul becomes enlivened, your body is holistically aligned and made whole, all in cooperation with the life of God coursing through your veins and leading you into paths of righteousness.
There are many millions of people crying out for a word from God right now in this time of distress and confusion. He will answer them through His Word, through Jesus. Share the simplicity of God’s Word, His voice, with those you love, today, and He will speak peace and assurance to each one at their point of need.
And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it’s here now, when the dead will hear my voice—the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live. (John 5:25 NLT).