How Does God Speak to Us?

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
– Psalm 32:8

There is no language he will not speak. Which leads us to a delightful question. What language is he speaking to you? I’m not referring to an idiom or dialect but to the day-to-day drama of your life. God does speak, you know. He speaks to us in whatever language we will understand.

There are times he speaks the “language of abundance.” Is your tummy full? Are your bills paid? Got a little jingle in your pocket? Don’t be so proud of what you have that you miss what you need to hear. Could it be you have much so you can give much? “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Is God talking in the “language of abundance”? Or are you hearing the “vernacular of want”? We’d rather he spoke the language of abundance, but he doesn’t always.

Are you hearing the “language of need”? Or how about the “language of affliction”? Talk about an idiom we avoid. But you and I both know how clearly God speaks in hospital hallways and sickbeds. We know what David meant with the words, “He makes me lie down” (Psalm 23:2, emphasis added). Nothing seems to turn our ears toward heaven like a frail body.

God speaks all languages—including yours. Has he not said, “I will instruct you . . . in the way you should go” (Psalm 32:8)? Are we not urged to “accept instruction from his mouth” (Job 22:22)? What language is God speaking to you?

And aren’t you glad he is speaking? Aren’t you grateful that he cares enough to talk? Isn’t it good to know that “the Lord confides in those who fear him” (Psalm 25:14)?

Question: What language is God using to speak to you? What specific steps can you take in response?

By Max Lucado from the NIV Lucado Encouraging Word Bible.