We’ve been using the summer season this year to reflect on how our relationship with God transforms our routines and the mundane into matters of eternal significance. This week’s devotion challenges us to move beyond the AI summary of google searches to hear the voice of God:

IN WORD – Sometimes we think God has given us a bare minimum of information. We want to know the answers to all of our deep questions, but because wise philosophers struggle with the meaning of life as much as we do, we assume that we are confined in ignorance for the length of our lives. And aside from the mysteries of the ages, we’d even settle for guidance in today’s choices. Our finite minds need help.
God does not leave us in darkness; He makes that very clear. He spoke light into our world on page one of the Old Testament, and He sent the Light of the World to us on page one of the New. The mysteries of life—and today’s guidance—are revealed in Him. Our God is more than willing to direct us.
So why do we so often struggle to find our way? Perhaps our struggle is not so much a matter of knowledge as it is a matter of will. We often know the right thing to do, but we search for reasons not to do it. Or perhaps we want our fortunes told. We just want direction, not God. We don’t want to put in the time and the effort for a life-changing relationship with Him. The mind of Christ takes a while to grow in us, and it has radical implications. We just want a little direction today.
God won’t usually work that way. He offers us deep and hidden things, but to find them we must have a deep and hidden relationship with Him—deep in faith and hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3). Everything we want to know is there, but it involves a heavy cost on our end: a sacrificial life, a thirst for truth, a love for our Savior, and a promise to follow Him wherever He leads. Daniel demonstrated such qualities long before God gave him the understanding revealed in this passage. The revealer of mysteries asks no less of us.
IN DEED – Do you want wisdom from above? It is far-reaching and powerful, deep and true. But asking for the light of His wisdom demands a pledge to live in the light of His wisdom. That’s often our missing ingredient. He won’t let us settle for superficial direction. Visions of truth come to those who will follow it. “Deep in your heart it is not guidance you want so much as a guide.” — John White (in “Walk with God” by Chris Tiegreen)

As a pastor, the one question people ask in times of trial is, “Why doesn’t God give me an answer?” The answer is not whether God responds, but whether we take the time to listen. Most mature Christians can sense God’s presence because they have practiced listening to Him each and every day through quiet times and prayer. When troubles come, mature Christians can generally sense God’s leading – or have the patience to wait until He answers.
How attuned are you to God’s voice? Take time to read Daniel 1 – 6 this week and reflect on Daniel’s practice of listening and how God responds with deep guidance; then ask the Holy Spirit to attune your spiritual ears to God’s voice. You may find yourself relying less on Gemini and more on God’s Spirit.
If you need more help to hear God’s voice, this summer pick up a biography or two of great Christians – Billy Graham, E. Stanley Jones, Elizabeth Elliot, Amy Carmichael, etc. You’ll find every single one shares a singular practice that can be yours too. Have a blessed week! From Taipei, Pastor Sam