Our world is inundated daily with news from a myriad of media outlets. And the majority of them are vying for the most alarming and sensational headlines to attract an audience. Why does human nature focus on the ugliness of the world yet fail to see that the cause of that evil is rooted in sin and corruption? And this is not just a current trend. The prophet Micah called out the leaders of Judah and Israel for their sins. He said,
But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the LORD…to declare to Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin. Now hear this, you heads…and rulers…who abhor justice and pervert all iniquity…Her heads judge for a bribe, her priests teach for pay, and her prophets divine for silver. Yet they lean on the LORD, and say, “Is not the LORD among us? No harm can come upon us.” (Micah 3:8-11)
This sounds a bit like our world today. There is corruption in our governments. Our leaders say one thing one day and something totally different the next day. Or many of our spiritual leaders are not saying anything at all, leaving a void of truth that will be filled with the voices of those who are not afraid to speak lies. Even many who call themselves “prophets” have declared words regarding recent events that did not come to pass. Sometimes I throw my hands up in frustration because I don’t know who or what to believe from all these voices and chatter in the media. We need a constant, unchanging, reliable source of truth to listen to, a beacon that will cut through the static.
That source is found in Proverbs 2. We are called to listen to the voice of God’s wisdom.
…incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding. Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver…then you will understand the fear of the LORD…For the LORD gives wisdom…He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the path of justice and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand…every good path…Discretion will preserve you…from the man who speaks perverse things… (excerpts)
Men must not presume to speak “for” God but must allow God to speak for Himself. We do not need to listen to all those prattling voices around us but focus our ears and thoughts on the One who gives true wisdom. He will always direct us in the right paths and give us discernment of what is good, right, faithful and true.
When we don’t know who to listen to or what reports to believe, we can take all our cares to the Lord and unload all our anxieties and questions on Him. He eagerly listens to every word you cry out to Him and is concerned with every burden you are carrying in your life. But we also need to sit quietly and patiently allow Him to give an answer. Sometimes, His solutions to our problems are not what we expect, and His answers to our prayers are not always what we wanted to hear, but you can be sure that He has your best interest at heart and will NEVER lead you astray. He promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) He will guide us through the maze of life with His perfect wisdom if we will filter out all the static of the world’s voices and focus on His voice speaking to us.
For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; When He hears it, He will answer you…Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:19, 21)
I pray that you will hear the voice of the Lord calling to you today.
–dmrf