God is speaking to you ─ are you listening?

Life is a journey and your journey deserves a journal.

Life is an ever changing sea that can engulf you in the sunshine of tranquil waters or the darkness of squalls and storms. We can bask in the sunshine when the Sea of Life is calm and our voyage feels safe and secure. Without our even noticing it, the clouds build on the horizon and trouble looms in the distance, or a squall can overtake us on a moment’s notice. Both will batter our mind and spirit and can sap our strength and energy. Safety and security are on our minds in the middle of heavy seas and we need to find a safe place to ride out the latest gale. A safe harbor is such a place; it is a special and cherished place where you can clear your head, calm your spirit and reflect on the journey.

Once you reach port in your safe harbor of peace and calm, you get a chance to rest and reflect. Only then can you clear your mind and finally take the time to think about your life’s purpose and prepare for the next leg of the journey. Personally, I have learned that there is something else I should be doing when I reach the safety of this place. I should be pondering God’s promises and listening for what He has to tell me. I have learned that God sometimes speaks to me in a whisper, and I can miss Him if I am always in the middle of life’s voyage. Whether I am sailing along on smooth seas or battling the elements in a storm, it can be difficult to recognize God’s gentle voice. I have learned that God is always speaking to me, encouraging me and gently nudging me, but I am not sure I always hear Him or take the time to reflect on what is in the message. It is hard to focus on God’s voice in the midst of clamoring seas. But in the safety of a harbor there is time to listen carefully, ponder, and record what you hear. Yes, I said ponder and record what you hear from God.

For many years I was not one to write down God’s truths, but I learned from great men of the Faith that this is exactly what God expects of me. Let me share some of the wisdom God has taught me through these men that I have recorded in my journal.

We remember what we record. The best way to remember and reinforce what you learn is to write it down. Keep a spiritual journal of your special time with God. “It’s crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we’ve heard so that we don’t drift off.” Hebrews 2:1 ( The Message)

Recording your thoughts helps clarify what God is doing in your life. God continues to reveal His truths to us and to all the saints; Moses is a good example and was faithful in following God’s command as he led the nation of Israel out of Egypt. “At the Lord’s direction, Moses kept a written record of their progress.” Numbers 33:2

God always speaks with a purpose. God does not ramble or speak accidentally. God’s message always has a purpose in mind. “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Write down all these instructions, for they represent all the terms of my covenant with you and with Israel.’ ” Exodus 34:27

We learn best in community. God can speak to us in many ways. For me, it is most often through my family and godly friends. God puts it this way, “You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 (The Message)

Knowledge increases responsibility. I have learned that the more God teaches me, the more He expects me to use that wisdom to help others. “If you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil.” James 4:17 (The Message)

Those who pass along wisdom, get more from God. God never intended for you to hide your knowledge, He expects you to share it generously. Sharing from our storehouse of insight and godly wisdom never depletes its contents. Those who pass along insights get more from God. “The world of the generous gets larger and larger: those who help others are helped.” Proverbs 11:25 (The Message)

God doesn’t call where He doesn’t equip. Faith is never based on what you don’t know, but rather what you do know. Faith is based on knowledge and truth. “Having carefully investigated all of these accounts from the beginning, I have decided to write a careful summary for you, to reassure you of the truth of all you were taught.” Luke 1:3-4

Your life is a journey and your journey deserves a journal. I encourage you to write down the special moments of your journey; not only the best of times, but also the worst of times. Our greatest lessons come out of pain and suffering. Moses was faithful in writing down every word God spoke to him for forty years. King David wrote many of his deepest thoughts and fears about God in the Psalms. Your journey may not rival these great saints, but you too have a story for the ages. You are living a legacy for the next generation of your family; don’t let any of what God has taught you be forgotten. Paul’s words ring true, “Pass on what you heard from me… to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others.” 

2 Timothy 2:2 (The Message)

Now is the time and the place to start recording your journey. Call it whatever you like, the name of your notebook is not important, but the truth God is revealing to you is. Life lessons are important; make sure you teach the next generation of your family how to honor God. Your family is waiting to read the best of what God has shared with you about the great mysteries of the Kingdom of God. Don’t disappoint them.

Gary Hansen is a career coach in Denver and the founder of Inspired Calling. He is an experienced HR professional with over 20 years in the field, most recently with Promise Keepers. Gary has a simple vision: Everyone needs Jesus and a job.