I thought of an old Steven Curtis Chapman song this morning. The words of the song describe the struggle to hear God's voice - even though God has already spoken clearly. Entitled "Waiting for Lightning," the song repeats this refrain:
waiting for lightning
a sign that it's time for a change
and you're listening for thunder
while he quietly whispers your name
a sign that it's time for a change
and you're listening for thunder
while he quietly whispers your name
Those words sure ring true to me. I often ask God for dramatic direction and outlandish signs. Even while I wait for those interventions, God is speaking to my heart in perhaps less dramatic (and surely less noticeable) ways. God's activity in my life isn't always flashy or loud. If I'm honest, however, I'm compelled to admit that his voice is present and clear and accessible. In most cases, I know exactly what God is saying. Sometimes, God speaks during a devotional time. Or through a particular verse of Scripture. Or in a friend's honest word. Or in a worship service. Or even through the words of a song.
The poet T.S. Eliot said, "We know too much but are convinced of too little." I suspect he was right about that. For my part, I simply need to act on what I already know. I would wise to spend less time waiting for lightning and thunder. That still, small voice has been plenty clear. And I've been hearing it for years.
God has already spoken - and he probably won't say much more until I act on what I've already heard.
The poet T.S. Eliot said, "We know too much but are convinced of too little." I suspect he was right about that. For my part, I simply need to act on what I already know. I would wise to spend less time waiting for lightning and thunder. That still, small voice has been plenty clear. And I've been hearing it for years.
God has already spoken - and he probably won't say much more until I act on what I've already heard.