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Silencing the Chatter to Hear His Voice

by Janet Morris Grimes  
2/24/2010 / Devotionals

Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."(NIV)

I have a confession to make. I was a compliant child.
How was that a problem, you might ask?
It makes me a people pleaser. I rest only after I've done enough for everyone to love me, which often leaves me exhausted, both emotionally and physically. And when there is nothing left to give? Undeserved guilt soon follows.
The other problem with being compliant is that many times, people like me get lost in the noise and chatter of well-meaning voices that remind us what is expected of us. People pleasers seldom find the courage to determine what God has in store.
In order to truly hear the voice of God, we must distance ourselves from everyone else. If we ask questions, we must stay long enough to hear His answers. And in many cases, He often calls his children to do the opposite of what the rest of the world is doing.
Just ask the young mother who traded in her high profile career to spend her days with her children. Just ask the missionary who sold his big house and SUV to live in a hut in a faraway land. Just ask the father who works a job he hates in order to provide for his family.
The truth is that we were not created for everyone to love us, as Jesus painfully demonstrated.
Jesus was not compliant. Even his family and those in his home town had a hard time understanding what he was up to at times. Not one time did he alter his actions or beliefs based on the expectations of others.
I hate to imagine what would have happened if those who loved him tried to talk him out of what God had called him to do.
Ironically, the only chance we have at eternal life came because Jesus was willing to be hated.

Dear God,
Thank you for Jesus, and the example he provided for us.
We confess that sometimes it is difficult to find our place in your world. It is a busy place, and sometimes we get so caught up in survival that we forget to seek your guidance. We thank you for the love and wisdom of our families and friends, but please help us to separate ourselves enough to hear your voice as well.
Touch our hearts and strongly lead us. We want to follow, even when it doesn't make sense. We trust you above all else, and are willing to go where you lead us.
In Jesus Name,

Amen

Janet Morris Grimes, the author The Parent's Guide to Uncluttering Your Home, released in 2011. She launched Abbandoned Ministries to lead others to seek God, as Abba, during abandonment. For more information, visit http://janetmorrisgrimes.com or http://abbandondoned.com.

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