Hear the Word

First, for the word of the Lord to be heavy in my life, I must hear or read the Word.

In order to hear the Word, it’s also important to know how God speaks so that I can position myself to hear the Word.

How does God speak to us?

• Bible
  

  Psalm 119:11
  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

• Circumstances
  

  James 1:2-12
  Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.

  But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

In other words, in every circumstance, God can and does speak to us. In every circumstance God is working in us to produce maturity. And God can and will give us wisdom in all things.

• Community
  

  Proverbs 11:14
  Where there is no guidance the people fall,
  But in abundance of counselors there is victory.

  Proverbs 24:6
  For by wise guidance you will wage war,
  And in abundance of counselors there is victory

• Peace
  

  Colossians 3:15
  The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful.

  This is certainly not an exhaustive list of the ways that God speaks to us. If I left one out that you’d like to bring up, please feel free to leave a comment about it.

  Is there more for me to do?