The Light Within: Listening to God’s voice
How do we listen to God when we seek guidance? I believe we become quiet. The Bible guides us: “Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10). Then, with an open mind, we receive His thoughts, which may or may not be realized at the time. But, I believe that He does hear us and guide us. The response may not be our will, but it will be the best for us.
The explicit care from God is exemplified in this biblical passage: “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21).
Like many of you, I, too, have experienced God’s direction countless times. One of the most memorable occurred shortly after I had completed my college education. I was offered a position at a university and was seeking a place to live. I bought a local newspaper, then read the various ads for apartments, but the relatively few available seemed well beyond my price range.
I became quiet, then turned my thought to God with my concern. I soon felt peace and assurance.
Continuing in prayer, I began to return to my parents’ home many miles away. With my thought turned to God, I heard mentally this clear message: “Look to the left.” I quickly did so, then saw the house that included an apartment that my brother and his wife occupied years ago when he was a student at that university. I had not thought of it until that moment.
I quickly turned around, then approached the lady who owned the house, asking her if the apartment was available. She responded that it was, and gladly offered it to me at an affordable monthly rent.
I lived there for several years, enjoying the apartment as well as an easy walking distance to campus.
We can rejoice that God’s word for us is “…a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Don Kleinsmith is a member of the Christian Science Church in Adrian. He can be reached at kleinsmith968@gmail.com or 517-263-6357.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Don Kleinsmith: Listening to God’s voice
