“We often confuse theology with psychology. The fact that God speaks is a matter of theology. It’s about God’s nature. But how we hear God speak is a matter not of theology but of psychology. It’s about how our neural pathways have learned to receive and process data, which varies from person to person.”- Pete Greig, How to Hear God (2022)
Susie Larson moves on in Chapter 7 of Closer Than Your Next Breath as she talks about the differences between a test and an attack. Tests stretch and challenge us. In addition, test invite us to trust God on a whole new lever — call us to learn new things.
However, in attacks from the Enemy, we lose our will to fight. Also, we feel exhausted and can’t see the forest for the trees. As a result, we lose sight of what’s true. Therefore, Susie exhorts:
“When God tests us, He’s proving what’s in us and preparing us for His purposes. We need to remember what we know, seek to learn, and pursue God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
When the Enemy attacks, we must address it right away. . . . Don’t let the toxins linger in your soul. . . . That’s why it’s critical to walk intimately with God, to know His ways and His Word, and to be quick to discern the reason for the trouble you’re facing.”
In conclusion, Susie stresses, when for some reason God seems silent, it behooves us to think about certain things. Above all, for starters, God speaks to us in ways that relate directly to our unique identity. Because God created us with passions, preferences, and a divine purpose.
Hence, the author notes, we must not expect God to communicate the same way all the time. Nor should we try to emulate a fellow Christian who seems to hear a lot from God. For, Susie cautions, in doing so we may miss what He’s actually saying to us. Embrace the beautiful, unique way God created you!
Today’s question: When do you notice that people confuse theology with psychology? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Stay open to God’s goodness”