“If we only know the Word selectively and dwell on one particular favorite subject, we fail to seek the whole counsel of God. The way we become wealthy and overflowing with the truth of the Word is to meditate upon Scripture, search it out, digest it, and apply it to our hearts.”- Dr. Charles F. Stanley
“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching, and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”- Colossians 3:16 (NKJV)
As Dr. Charles Stanley moves on in Chapter 7 of Can You Still Trust God?, he discusses ways three through seven to learn hg ow to hear what God is saying.
4. Actively. We must actively wait and meditate on His Word in order to hear God. Because God imparts precise instructions and promises through His Word. Thus, the Bible provides one of the most wonderful ways for us to listen to God’s voice. Through this we receive divine guidance.
5. Confidently. When we listen to God, we must believe with confidence that we’ll hear what we need to hear. Certainly, God’s answer might not always align with what we want to hear. However, God communicates what’s essential in our walk with Him.
6. Dependently. Here, we need to recognize our total dependence on the Holy Spirit to teach us truth. Therefore, to have a right relationship with God, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit. In addition, we need to learn to walk in the Spirit. Rather than grieving the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).
7. Openly. To listen openly means we’re willing to hear God correct us as well as comfort us. To convict us as well as assure us. Consequently, Dr. Stanley observes:
“Many of us have gotten on our knees before God and He spoke to us, but He didn’t say what we wanted to hear. . . . When we come to Him with a mental spiritual sifter, picking out only what we want to hear, we will not hear accurately.”
Today’s question: “What Scriptures help you seek the whole counsel of God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Spiritual antennas fully extended”
