“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon leap like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the Lord shakes the desert; the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in His temple all cry, ‘Glory!'” Psalm 29:3-9

He Speaks

There are so many things that I love about the Lord. If I made a list, it would be endless. He is so good, so faithful, so amazing. One of the things that would be at the top of that list is that HE SPEAKS to us. What an incredible, precious gift that is. The Creator of the universe speaks into our human hearts—it’s hard to even believe it’s possible, and yet it’s so very true.

I first heard the Lord speaking into my heart as a young girl when I was about three years old, kneeling by my bed, saying my prayers—and I heard God speak into my heart. It was an incredible treasure that I held close to me. That began a wonderful communication that has continued over the decades.

I’ve heard Him speak with clarity of direction when I’ve sought wisdom. I’ve heard Him speak words of correction when I’ve failed Him. I’ve heard Him speak assurance when I’ve hesitantly stepped out in obedience to something He’s said to do. I’ve heard Him speak love and acceptance in moments of insecurity. I’ve heard Him speak courage when my human strength has been gone. I’ve heard Him speak tender words of love when my heart has been broken by something. HE SPEAKS! In fact, I think He longs to speak to us—but sometimes we miss His voice.

I’ve had people tell me they can’t imagine that this is true. I’ve heard sermons about this being something for olden times, but it doesn’t happen now. I’ve read articles by scholars who very intellectually explain why this can’t happen. But my heart knows it does. I don’t think I could have survived the last few years if it hadn’t been for God wonderfully speaking love, strength, direction, and courage into my heart.

There’s a song that I heard months ago, and it was recently brought to my attention again—“So Will I*” by Hillsong. I’m attaching it below. It has focused my attention afresh on the beauty of God speaking, and of how our response is to join with creation in worshiping Him.

God speaks and out of darkness brought light. He speaks and a 100 billion galaxies are born. He speaks and a 100 billion failures disappear. We see His heart in everything He says. He doesn’t speak in vain, no syllable is empty or void.

As I have meditated on this, I don’t know how to convey the joy that has welled up in my heart in thankfulness that HE SPEAKS. I find tears rolling down my cheeks as I tell Him how awesome it is that He speaks to my simple heart. “If the stars were made to worship, so will I. If the oceans roar with greatness, so will I. If creation sings your praises, so will I.” I see those stars at night; I hear the ocean’s roar; I join with creation in thanking Him for speaking.

Lord, thank You for speaking to us through all our years. Help us to hear You when things are difficult. Amen.

*So Will I (100 Billion X) Lyric Video. Hillsong Worship. 2018 April 10. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyYn21RdBBQ

* Benjamin Hastings | Joel Houston | Michael Fatkin
© 2017 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)