As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV
Have you met a "talker?" You know, the one I mean, that person for which the briefest of silence becomes an unbearable void that must be filled with their voice. The thing is that everything–let me repeat that, everything–we say has a consequence. Using the language in today's verse, what goes from our mouth is not returned empty; even that seemingly inconsequential statement made in passing carries weight. So, the more we say, the more likely we say something that may hurt–it is a simple matter of probabilities.
God does not talk to hear his voice; he speaks only when needed to accomplish his purpose, and he does so in truth with authority and wisdom. Though we do not always understand God's desire and purpose, we trust in faith, knowing that his thoughts are not ours and our ways are not his (Is 55:8-9), and we seek to understand our role in that purpose.
God speaks to us today in three ways: through the Holy Bible, prayer and meditation, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Through scripture–the living word of God–we understand who God is, how we must live, and our purpose. In conversation with God, we hear him speak, though not audibly outwardly but softly inwardly through the still small voice. By the Holy Spirit, we are directed in God's purpose.
God, we confess we are often too anxious to speak without stopping to listen. We do this in conversations with each other and with you. Forgive us, we pray. Help us to be more mindful in our listening. Open our ears for listening, our minds to understanding, and our hearts to change. In Jesus name, we pray.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
