Listen to God

‘Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.’ (Proverbs 3:6 The Message)

My wife and I have recently moved home and as is usual on such occasions we had a clear-out of all the stuff we hadn’t used for ages. In the process we came across a poster from World War Two that belonged to one of our parents. It’s entitled ‘Morale – How to play your part’, and was approved by the Mayor of Hove and the two local MPs with the recommendation ‘Pin this up in your home, office or shelter.’

What I found interesting about this poster is some of the comments about God. This is what it says:

‘The secret of steadiness and inner strength is to listen to God and do what he says. God speaks directly to the heart of every man and woman who is prepared to listen and obey. Write down the thoughts he gives you. His voice can be heard wherever you are – in the home, in the factory, in the air-raid shelter, in the first-aid post.’

‘Forearm yourself by listening to God first thing every morning. This provides a clear plan for each day and the power to work with other people in complete unity. In time of listening God takes away fear and fortifies against uncertainty, hardship or bereavement; He gives foresight and cool judgment; He offers limitless reserves of energy and initiative.’

‘A British General who has fought through two wars said this: “Telephone wires may be cut, wireless stations be destroyed, but no bombardment can stop messages from God coming through if we are willing to receive them. To listen to God and obey Him is the highest form of national service for everybody everywhere.”’

We live in a different era now where it is not PC to talk about God or Christian beliefs or Biblical virtues. Although this nation may not be going through the dark days of World War Two, it nevertheless faces many problems and issues. Knife crime and acid attacks are on the increase, the threat of terrorism is ever present, and there is uncertainty about the UK’s future following Brexit.

Wouldn’t it be something if in this difficult time for the country our public leaders advocated listening for the voice of God? Wouldn’t it be something if they produced a poster like this and said ‘Pin this up in your home, office and schools.’? That may not happen anytime soon, but wouldn’t it be something if we individually committed ourselves to ‘Listen for GOD’s voice in everything [we] do, everywhere [we] go; [because] he’s the one who will keep [us] on track.’

I think I might just pin this poster up in our new home.

Have a good week listening to God’s voice.

Pastor Barry