Praise him – Day 8

Yesterday we talked about the difference that the right word at the right time can make in people’s lives. The written word becomes a rhema (that which is said) word when the Holy Spirit makes it “alive” so that you can address circumstances in your own life and that of other believers.

But how does someone in the midst of a busy life and his own heavy baggage, recognise that it is the word of the Lord that he speaks? The Lord God, who gives the instructed word, is also the one who awakens ears to hear: “He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed” (Isaiah 50:4). This sort of listening requires a conscious silence, closing one’s mind to intrusive thoughts so that one can hear what God is saying to you.

When we approach the Word carefully during our planned quiet times, the Holy Spirit in a mysterious way makes God’s voice audible to our spirit. We know it is God who now speaks! And we want to listen!

However, that brings responsibility: Our mouth, hands and feet must join with our ears and we have to act; there is no room for resistance, rebellion or unfaithfulness towards that which God has communicated to us (Isaiah 50:5).

Our Father’s desire is to personally speak to every believer, but we already know from Isaiah 50:4 that God also uses people to sustain his children. When you are privileged enough to be in someone’s crisis, in other words, to speak words of encouragement to someone who is weary, do it in deep dependency with a rhema word: “ … but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).

Today you may see no solution to your hopeless situation. Hagar was in a similar position – she and her son were in the desert, with only bread and a skin of water. Her child lay dying, and she does not want to witness it. Her loud cries and bitter tears are heard: “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation” (Genesis 21:17-18).

Our heavenly Father knows you and your family. He knows your hopeless situation and will intervene. Like Hagar, listen to what God tells you to do: 1) Do not be afraid – God hears; 2) stand up; 3) lift up your child (your heart) and comfort him.