Have you ever thought, “If I just pray more often, or harder, I’ll get closer to God and be able to hear God’s voice”? I certainly have. But then I read this beautiful verse in my Bible.
“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him.” (John 14:21)
There is a PROMISE here! The Bible says God reveals Himself to those who love Him. The way that God knows we love Him is when we naturally and gladly obey His commands. We do this not out of our own effort. Rather, out of our love for Him, we willingly yield to His Spirit living within us.
There is no formula, or ritual, or rule on how/when/how hard to pray. In order to hear God’s voice, it’s about a relationship that boils down to one question.
Is God the center of my life?
Can I trust Him with my life? With my family, my career, my health or a job loss? How about my children? Or finances, or even ministry? Whatever I need Him for at this very moment?
God’s commands are designed, not to keep us away from something, but rather to lead us on the perfect path He prepared for us. When we commit to following Him, we have positioned ourselves where we can both hear God’s voice and walk the path He lays out for us. Do you want to be closer to God? Do you have God’s commands written on your heart? They are what hold the key to hearing God’s voice. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus tells us God’s greatest commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
It’s All About the Relationship
It’s all about the relationship. It always has been. God, out of His deep love for us, gave us everything – even the life of His very own Son. Are we willing to trust God enough to allow Him to empower us by His Spirit to guide us and obey His Word?”
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” (Isaiah 30:21)
Praise the Lord Who desires a relationship with each one of us. Let us trust in His perfect commands and listen for His Voice as He lead us each day.
Do you need some fresh ideas to help kick-start your Quiet Time”? Get your FREE guide: 7 Simple Ideas to Refresh Your Quiet Times. If you’re looking for something more hands on, I am also available for virtual coaching. May the Lord bless you as you seek to grow closer to Him!
Shadia is a passionate Bible teacher, author and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary and is author of the powerful “Behind the Seen” Bible studies series, including TAMAR, HAGAR, and LEGION.
Not only does He spell it out for us, He makes it enjoyable for our spirits. Praise God!
Amen! Thanks for sharing!
Very good article. We need to know how much God loves us. Sometimes it is hard to believe without these reminders.
Thank you for writing (and reading!) 🙂
This is great! He is Aswesome!
Hi Rosie! Thank you for your encouragement! 🙂
Hi Shadia,
Please pray for me….i am tired, stressed. I am going through alot of financial issues and i’ve got a job but i am not sure if the company would last.
Please pray for me Shadia.
Thank you,
Michael
Bless you, Michael. Father in Heaven, I pray that Michael will rest in the knowledge of Your faithfulness and grow in Your strength and love within his local church family – those whom You’ve called to know him personally and intimately – as this is Your will for each of us. Praise You Lord, for your great kindness and wisdom and love. In Jesus’ Holy Name. Amen.
Thank you for praying for me Shadia…God Bless you!!!
I learned of your ministry just last night, as I attended a Virtual Bible Talks with my Pastor Emeritus, Edward L. Branch. He did the study on Hagar, and referenced your material, and my eyes were opened to scripture in an amazing way. Hagar named God, and was the very first person to do so! Just think, this silenced, marginalized human being had the audacity to give God a name, Wow! And, so do I. The thought overwhelms me!! I have ordered three of your books and I am looking forward to the Hagar study in May. Blessings!
Blessings, April. I am so delighted you’re excited about the studies. The Hagar Online study starts on May 16th and I’d love you to join us! You can find the details here. https://www.ShadiaHrichi.com/hagar