How Does God Speak to You?

Matthew 2:19-23

After King Herod died, an angel from the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.  “Get up,” the angel said, “and take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel. Those who were trying to kill the child are dead.”  Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel.  But when he heard that Archelaus ruled over Judea in place of his father Herod, Joseph was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he went to the area of Galilee.  He settled in a city called Nazareth so that what was spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled: He will be called a Nazarene.

Three times now (in Matthew), Joseph has received instruction from God in a dream.  He was told to flee to Egypt.  He was told it was okay to go back to Israel, and then to go to Galilee within Israel.  It seems Joseph is now comfortable being guided by God in this way.  Further, he is willing to allow his divine dreams to refine his own instincts.  He is wary of Herod’s son, Archelaus and his dream confirms the validity of those fears.  Thus, Joe and his family end up in Nazareth.  Matthew augments the divine guidance going on here by reporting that Jesus growing up in Nazareth is a fulfillment of prophecy. 

I can’t remember ever having a dream where I received divine guidance.  It’s possible that I am missing the message in my dreams, but I doubt it.  God communicates with me in other ways.  I resonate with the “gentle whisper” that Elijah heard:

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.  When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. (1 Kings 19:11-13, CEB)

I have talked with people who report having heard God talk audibly to them.  Others report God speaking to them through other people. I don’t doubt any of them.  I believe God speaks to us in the way that we are most likely to hear and respond.  Joseph was most receptive while he was sleeping, Elijah and I prefer quiet voices, and others hear God in hundreds of different ways.  The mode by which God communicates is not the where the value is found; it’s in the message.  The question then becomes, “have we learned to listen?”   

Question:  How have you received instruction and/or guidance from the Lord? 

Prayer:  Lord, help me be open to your communication with me, however it might come. Amen.

Prayer Focus:  Pray for your neighbors today.

Song:  I Will Listen – Twila Paris