Becoming Aware

Becoming Aware

"Break open your word within me until revelation-light shines out!

Those with open hearts are given insight into
your plans."

Psa. 119:130 (TPT)

I have always been fascinated by the fact that cellular waves, radio waves, satellite waves, digital waves and analog waves are all around us. They pass through walls and penetrate barriers so that they reach the appropriate receiver. We can catch our favorite TV show, radio program or sports event by tuning into the right frequency. It all sounds simple; a transmitter sends the specific wave and the receiver captures it and translates it into something recognizable. Now that’s the extent of my ability to understand what is taking place and I am probably simplifying a very complex process.

Some of you may remember the days of adding aluminum foil to the TV antenna in order to get a clearer signal. Or you may remember having to adjust the position of the radio or TV in order to get the best signal. Believe it or not, we still finagle with the TV because we choose to only access the local stations in our area. If the antenna is not in the right position, we can’t get the station we want. It might come in fuzzy or pixelated. 

If that doesn’t resonate, most of us have experienced the dropped cell call when traveling through that “specific” stretch of highway or going down a certain hill in the community. With our advances in technology, periodically we are still faced with the challenge of having clear reception. The question,” Can you hear me now?” is more than a TV slogan. It is a phrase I use multiple times in a week.

I imagine that the Lord asks, “Can you hear me now?” to each of his children. It is so easy to get out of position with so many things vying for our attention. We wrestle with challenges at work or in our families. Right now, I have multiple, major projects happening at work and it seems like I am having challenges with each of them. There are days I just want to go to work and not have problems surface repeatedly. However, that is not where my work life is right now. We are in a very stressful time with many challenges both within and without of our organization.  Yet, in face of the many distractions and problems, I believe God is asking me, “Can you hear me now?” 

In addition, I am wrestling with my tendency to be over-responsible. I also realized that I tend to respond in a way that’s emotionally unsafe for my spouse. God is gracing me to carry and confront all these challenges. I am learning to “open my heart to His word” and attend to these internal issues. I am also learning how to let go of the need to have success after success. I am being taught how to bear up under the weight (emotionally and otherwise) of being caught in the messy, middle place of ambiguity. Honestly, I really don’t like being in this place. What makes it bearable is that even in these difficult times, I hear God’s voice through His word and His spirit affirming that HE is with me.  I hear him whispering,” Can you hear me now?”  Thankfully, I have become aware of his presence in the midst of my situation. My circumstances may not be changing as fast as I’d like, but my peace and perspective have. I am aware that he is with me and his word is being planted in my heart and situation.

 

Main Themes

 -God is always speaking.  We have to open our hearts and listen.

 -Difficulties in life don’t prevent God from speaking.  They do require us to listen more attentively to hear his voice.

 

 Resources

Thula, Thula by We will Worship    

 7 ways to Hear God (Video)