Conversation

One issue that contributes to a strained relationship is the failure to communicate.  It should be of no surprise then, that communication is probably a problem in our relationship with God.

Some of us have a wonderful prayer life.  Prayer is us speaking to God, but it is not a conversation.  Think about it.  Conversation or dialogue is interactive.  In other words, there is a speaker and a listener.  When one person does all the speaking or the other person isn’t listening, it’s a monologue.  When the speaker stops talking and waits for a response from the other person and the other person thoughtfully answers, it becomes a conversation.

God is a good listener.  Over and over, scripture tells us God hears us.  But as we are praying, are we listening for God’s answer?  What are we expecting to hear?  Are we having a conversation?  Paradoxically, Peter tells us that in Jesus, God has “given us everything we need for life and godliness” (II Peter 1:3).

One of the reasons why Scripture was given to us is so that we can hear God’s answers.  If you’re like me, I often don’t like the way God answers.  When I pray for the essentials of life, I hear, "Trust Me” (Matthew 6:33).  When I tell God that I am unhappy with my life’s situation, I hear, “Count it all joy” (James 1:2).  When I ask God to get me out of a situation, I hear, "I am your strength" (Psalms 27:1).

God may not answer you this way, but when I hear the voice of God, I’m satisfied.