Does God still speak to us today, or is the Bible our only source for direction? In the confines of this short article I will demonstrate to you through scripture that not only does God still speak today, He wants to communicate often.
The Bible is the inspired Word of God and most of us read it with some regularity and yet we may from time to time feel that some of our questions go unanswered. That’s when prayer and meditation and good spiritual ears can bring us into the presence of God for the answers we seek.
The Bible says of itself that it does not contain all the words written or said. We would have to have great libraries to house all of the books. Perhaps, if we had access to this great library we would have no reason to seek direct communication with God. I know from scripture that God wants to have fellowship with His creation and that may well be why all the answers are not catalogued, cross-referenced and downloaded for easy access. He wants us to call on Him and allow Him to speak with us directly.
Great men with grand degrees and titles have explored, dissected, corrected and interpreted the original scriptural texts for hundreds of years. Libraries are full of their commentaries, journals and disertations on the Holy Scriptures, and yet God speaks to you and me. “My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they follow Me” John 10:16.
“Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him and he with Me.” Rev. 3:20.
It takes more than mans words or even the scriptures to bring about salvation. John 6:44 says, “No man can come to Me except the Father who sent Me draws him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” The heart of man and the indwelling Holy Spirit provide guidance and direction beyond compare. Jesus said when it was urgent that He go to the cross, He would not leave us alone. He promised the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to come and dwell within us. “The Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you.” John 14:26.
We have the promise of God’s direction and communication through the Holy Spirit, accessible to all that follow Christ. The “still small voice” spoke to Elijah (1 Kings 18-19) and still speaks today.
When I am seeking a word from the Lord, I usually get alone somewhere with a Bible and a notebook. Sometimes I begin in the Psalms and just quietly Praise and Worship Him through the reading of His word. The Holy Spirit may lead me to other passages and begin to speak to me almost immediately through the written word. As new things are revealed I make notes. Often the needs of others are brought to mind and I either write them down or pray for them as they are revealed to me. I ask God to help me remember other needs.
When I have finished praying for the people God has laid on my heart, I express my personal needs or concerns. I am very specific and try not to leave out any details. After I have prayed a while, I sit quietly in His presence and listen. Having this kind of fellowship with the Lord will bring about spiritual insight and spiritual healing you may not even know you have need of.
The more time you spend with the Lord the more time you will want to be in His presence. You will find yourself longing for the time and rushing to your quiet place to be alone with Him. His Voice is so sweet and His words so precious.
