Listening for God’s Voice in the Stillness
The Daily Devotional
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Listening for God’s Voice in the Stillness
“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)
Introduction
The early morning hours hold a sacred stillness, a time when the world is quiet, and distractions have yet to take hold. It is in this space that I rise, opening my heart and mind to share devotionals and prayers, hoping to inspire others with God’s Word. But as I write, I sometimes wonder: Am I truly listening for God’s voice, or am I merely following my own train of thought?
Reflection
Psalm 46:10 calls us to “be still” and recognize that God is present and sovereign. This verse is often quoted as a reminder to quiet our hearts before the Lord, but in the busyness of ministry—whether preaching, writing, or serving—it is easy to assume that all our thoughts are divinely inspired.
There’s an old story of a man who desperately sought to hear from God. He prayed, fasted, and read his Bible, yet he felt no clear direction. Frustrated, he went to his wise old pastor and asked, “Why isn’t God speaking to me?” The pastor smiled and said, “Have you tried sitting in silence and simply waiting for Him?” The man protested, “But I pray and study constantly!” The pastor chuckled, “That’s good, but prayer isn’t just talking—it’s also listening.”
In the same way, when I rise in the morning to write devotionals, I must ask myself: Am I writing what I think people need to hear, or am I waiting for God to guide my words? It is easy to mistake our own thoughts for divine inspiration when we do not first take time to be still before Him.
Application
If we want to truly hear God’s voice, we must cultivate moments of intentional stillness. This means not only praying and reading Scripture but also waiting in silence, allowing space for God to speak. Before beginning the work of writing, teaching, or ministering, we should pause and ask: Lord, what would You have me share today?
We can take practical steps to ensure that our work is guided by God:
Begin devotional writing with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to direct our thoughts.
Spend a few moments in silence before putting words on paper.
Meditate on Scripture, allowing God’s Word to shape our message rather than our own inclinations.
Remain open to God redirecting our plans, even if it means rewriting or discarding an idea.
Conclusion
The still, quiet moments before dawn are a precious time for communion with God. Yet, even in the act of serving Him, we must be careful not to drown out His voice with our own thoughts. By practicing stillness and actively listening, we allow God to shape our words and ministry, ensuring that what we share is truly from Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in the quiet of the morning, I come before You. I long to hear Your voice and to be guided by Your Spirit as I write and share Your Word. Help me to be still, to listen, and to discern what You would have me say. Let my thoughts align with Your truth so that my words may bring encouragement and inspiration to others. May all that I do be for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
