Counsel from the Lord

Blessed is the man[a]

who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners,

nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

2 but his delight is in the law[b]of the Lord,

and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2

Where is it that we get our inspiration and desires? There are so many different outlets of information that we have access to. There is the news, social media, literature, movies. There are book groups, social clubs, associations, networking activities. We are on the receiving end of so much information that it is so easy to miss the voice of God. It's no wonder that people are not listening to His commands and misinterpret what He is saying. But He is speaking to us.

The word of God stands as His voice, both in the past, present and future. It is not the only way that He speaks to us, but it is the most concrete way because it is etched in paper. For this reason, we can always depend on God's word to keep us grounded in His counsel. But even beyond the written word of God is His Spirit who speaks to us, through our thoughts, emotions, and the words of other believers. God speaks to us through events, dreams and visions. If we are listening, we shall hear Him.

How then shall we take council from the Lord?

1. Seek God through reading His word. This is the simplest and easiest way to hear from him on a regular basis. It can be the basis by which you can hear Him in other ways. The more we become familiar with the heart of God through reading His word, the more we will hear from Him in other ways.

2. Speak with God in your thoughts and in your heart. As you would speak with a friend, Father, and supreme being who knows all things, God is always there to listen to you. When things happen in your life that are both good and bad, ask God to interpret these things for you. If you have a dream or a vision that sticks out in you mind, ask God to make this clear. At the right time He shall share His heart with you.

3. Hear from other believers to discern if there is a message for you from God. These are opportunities to hear what God is sharing with your brothers and sisters, or your shepherd, or mentors. Use your discernment to hear what is of God and what is of man.

We are blessed to have a God who speaks and who desires to show us the way. He provides comfort and encouragement, and discipline and correction. How blessed are we to hear from Him.

Father,

Thank you for your continued counsel. I love hearing your voice and desire to hear you more. May I not take counsel from the noise of this world, or from the voice of the evil one. But may my counsel only be from you.