Guiding Scripture: “The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18)
🔴 Is God Your 911 Operator?
At some point in their walk with God, most Christians have felt like their prayers are just hitting the ceiling. We’ve all been there. Despite your best efforts, it can feel like no one is listening or cares about your struggle. In your darkest moments, you might wonder: is God even real?
Why is it so hard for me to hear Him?
The answer to this question is surprisingly simple: God’s voice isn’t hard to hear at all. It’s just that sometimes we don’t know how to listen. As any mature Christian will tell you, the voice of God becomes more evident, the more you spend time with Him.
Think about your mother’s voice. You can probably imagine how she sounds even when she’s not with you. Why? Because you spent the first seventeen or eighteen years of your life speaking with her—and hearing from her— every day. Consistently.
However, when it comes to their relationship with God, many people relate to Him like a 911 operator, only reaching out in times of emergency or crisis. How well do you know your local 911 operator? Do you know their name? Anything about their lives or families? Of course not. You only speak to them when you need help immediately, and you go back to your life as usual (hopefully) once you’ve gotten the help you need.
If you treat God this way, as someone you approach only in times of desperation or significant pain, don’t be surprised if it seems like He doesn’t answer. Let me be clear: He is still speaking because God always answers His children. However, if your relationship with Him is weak, you are the one who can’t hear what He has to say.
God isn’t a 911 operator.
He’s your father, and He loves you deeply. If you relate to Him like the good father He is, you won’t have to look very far for answers to your prayers. As Jeremiah 29:13 says, “If you look for me, wholeheartedly, you will find me.” God is eager to speak to you and eager to respond to your cries. Talk to Him today.
~Lisa C. Gant
LISA C. GANT: CEO & Founder of Purpose Without Apology, the Podcast. Tune in for weekly podcasts and connect with Lisa on Instagram. Visit www.lisacgant.com for more information.