Strengthen Day 11 - Wednesday - March 9, 2022

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James‬ ‭1:22‬ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Thus, saith the Lord…”  Amazing, powerful words!   This statement appears 431 times in the Old Testament. In the book of Jeremiah, that phrase appears 147 times. Without a doubt, the prophet Jeremiah was dedicated to representing God and His purposes to the nation of Israel. There were times when it appeared God’s direction seemed foolish, maybe senseless. However, it is the wisest possible move when God leads us, and it is of dire importance that we seek to know, through prayer, that God is the One giving the instruction.

James chapter 1:22 reads, “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”  The person who is listening to God can trust that He can see a future that no human can envision. Where we see ruin and disaster, God can bring redemption, healing, and restoration. When we hear “thus saith the Lord,” do we take Him seriously? Or do we slant our own views and desires into the situation? It is one thing to hear His voice, but it’s quite another thing to trust and obey.

The Lord speaks clearly to us through His Word.  He also uses pastors, teachers, parents, friends, and even circumstances to make our paths clear. It is vital to know His Word, as much of His direction and guidance is given in scripture and becomes the foundation for hearing His voice. How many times have we heard “thus saith the Lord” in our daily lives?  How well are we listening when the Lord tells us, “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Ephesians 5:25)?  Are we honoring the Lord and listening to his voice when he says, “Do not repay evil for evil” (Romans 12:17)? What is your “thus saith the Lord?”  May the Holy Spirit keep you well-tuned to hear His voice and empower you for obedience today!

Reflection: What situation do I need to submit to God and release from my own strength?