December 16
Hearing the Voice of God
The Christian's Daily Treasury"I will hear what God the Lord will speak."—Psalm 1xxxv. 8.
THE whole verse from which this passage is selected, presents us with three things — a wise resolution, "I will hear what God the Lord will speak" — a pleasing assurance, "for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints" — and a seasonable admonition; "but let them not turn again to folly." We inquire
WHAT DOES GOD SPEAK?
He speaks in creation, and we should admire. The grass of the field, the trees of the forest, the flowers of the garden, hills and valleys, rocks and mountains, the mighty cataract, the flowing river, and the running stream, earth, air, and sea,
"The spacious firmament on high, With all the blue, ethereal sky,"
sun, moon, and stars, those glorious orbs of light, are vocal with Jehovah's praise.
He speaks in providence, and we should adore. How delightful is the truth, "Our times are in his hands"! and how desirable the feeling, "Let him do with me as seemeth him good"! Christians, we are on the mighty waters, tossed with wave upon wave, but our Father is at the helm; we have a wise pilot, who will land us safe on Canaan's peaceful shores.
He speaks in the Gospel, and we should hear. How few visit the house of God with this impression fixed on the mind! But what does he speak? Peace to his people, terror to his enemies, and encouragement to the penitent.
HOW SHOULD WE HEAR? It is God that speaks, and therefore we should hear with attention. God speaks to us, therefore we should hear with self-application. We are too prone to hear for others instead of ourselves. I recollect the remark of a Welsh preacher, now in glory. It is a good thing when the sermon makes the hearer go home quarreling with himself. God speaks to us for our benefit, therefore we should hear with prayer. He will not always speak, and therefore we should hear without delay. God speaks once, yea, even twice; we have line upon line, and precept upon precept. The fire is not always brought out of the flint the first time it is struck; nor are spiritual affections kindled under the first entreaties of the Gospel. Defer not the consideration of divine things to a future season.