Well, I did it again — the very thing I teach people not to do. I received a profound word from the Lord a few weeks ago from a Pastor in the church where I was speaking. I clearly heard it – that is with my ears and intellect. But, I failed to ponder it, to allow God to speak to my spirit about it, and really absorb it.
For those of you who have read my new book, Letting Go, I tell the story of a time when God spoke a potent prophetic word to me concerning regret in my life. I share how I received that word, jumped up and down with excitement and then proceeded to get on with my busy life. I didn’t ask the Lord what He had to say about it or get clear understanding of how that word affected my life. When I allowed God to define those regrets and show me how they were woven into the tapestry of my thinking and belief systems, my life changed drastically.
God speaks to us in so many ways. He can speak to us as we pray or to our spirits as we go about our daily routine. Perhaps you are reading the word and a particular passage stands out to you that fits your circumstances or answers a question you have had. Sometimes he speaks to us through one another prophetically or listening to their personal testimony. Perhaps your Pastor’s sermon touches a place in your heart that ignites excitement or conviction. God speaks to us through his very creation. The heavens declare the Glory of God the scripture says (Psalm 19:1). God can get a message to us any way He chooses.
When God speaks, allow him to interpret what He says. His interpretation is often different than ours. Ask questions something like this:
- Lord, what are you saying to me personally through this word?
- How does this word apply to my life?
- What do you want me to know about You?
The Holy Spirit wants to interpret the words He gives. Will you allow Him time to speak into your life? Today, I plan to spend my morning with Him and get some perspective on my most recent word. What is He saying to you today? Allow Him to speak to your heart.
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. Proverbs 25:2 NIV