Counsel #14 — Learning to Listen

Picture: Counsel #14 — Learning to ListenCSL 24.1

God genuinely wants to share His deepest truths with you, personally. Take a little longer in His presence and quietly listen for His voice. Psalms 37:7 reminds us, "Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act."^[27]NLT As the Holy Spirit teaches us to recognize His guidance, He can increasingly shape our characters to be like Jesus.CSL 24.2

Many people, even when trying to connect with God, miss out on real communion. They are too rushed. They move quickly through moments of prayer or reflection, perhaps pausing briefly but not truly waiting for His wisdom. They don’t make time to simply wait in silence for Jesus to speak to their hearts. Instead, they quickly return to their stress and business, still carrying their burdens.^{[28] https://record.adventistchurch.com/2017/08/18/listening-the-most-overlooked-spiritual-discipline/} CSL 24.3

“Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:12, 13 ESVCSL 24.4

“It is the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, which Jesus said He would send into the world, that changes our character into the image of Christ; and when this is accomplished, we reflect, as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord.” Ellen White in God’s Amazing Grace , p. 246CSL 24.5

Reflect: How often do you set aside time to think, pray, and patiently wait on God for a renewal of your physical, mental, and spiritual energy?CSL 24.6