Two Questions

In my quiet time this morning, I asked God two questions that I often ask of Him. “God, what do you want me to know, and what do you want me to do?” Then I listened, knowing that He is a God that still speaks if I am willing to listen.

After a while, God began calming my anxious thoughts that sometimes race through my mind as I plan my day. Then I sensed Him share these five words. “It’s going to be okay.” In pondering exactly what was going to be okay, I realized that God was referring to everything I was anxious about. After sharing with His disciples that He would be betrayed, denied, and crucified, Jesus comforted His anxious disciples with these words. “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” This morning, by asking God what He wanted me to know, I heard Him speak the same thing to me.

After sensing God’s response to the first of my two questions, I lingered longer, knowing He had an answer for my second question. I felt His response deep in my chest, as my eyes filled tears. Again, He shared five words. “Love people today, including yourself.” I have a lot to do today, but God reminded me of something that I could have easily overlooked in the busyness of the day. Above everything else that I need to do today, I need to prioritize loving others and myself.

How do I know this was God speaking, revealing Himself, and giving guidance to my day? The answers to both question are overwhelmingly confirmed in the Bible. Add to that, God’s promise to lead me if I am willing to follow Him, and that I would even be able to hear His voice. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” By spending time with Him, I have learned how to hear and know the Great Sheppard’s voice.

But it doesn’t end there. Living out what God revealed is the important next step. Thankfully, God has placed His Spirit in the lives of those who follow Him. Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you." In my own strength I would struggle with my anxious thoughts, and my ability to love others and myself. But because of Him, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”