Due to the pandemic, the face to face discussions have now become a series of online meetings and consultations. The objective is still the same — to hear different ideas and to make resolutions.
What lessons can we learn from the Bible about having a talk with God?
First, we have to realize that God wants to have a conversation with us.
In the Bible, God is actually portrayed as someone who wants to discuss things with us. Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord (KJV). The other translations are — “I, the Lord, invite you to come and talk it over” (CEV). “Come. Sit down. Let’s argue this out” (MSG). “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord (NIV).
So, let us not be afraid to talk to God. We can pour out our questions to Him, and He will answer accordingly.
Second, we need to open ourselves so that God will have an intimate discussion with us.
God is offering to us an invitation. God is actually knocking in the doors of our heart. God does not really want to shout so that He could be heard.
In 1 Kings 19, we can remember that God was not in the earthquake nor in the strong wind nor in the fire. God talked to Elijah in a small still voice. So, in this sense, God wants to have a personal and deep conversation with us.
Revelation 3:20 says, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (NLT). If we could just truly internalize the gesture of God, then we can have that intimate conversation with God as friends.
Imagine having that coffee break with God, and just talking about anything. This is actually mind blowing. God wants to have a relationship with us. All that we need to do is just to open up, and invite God.
Looking back in the Gospels, we can see what Jesus Christ had done. He talked to people from all walks of life. He would oftentimes have a meal with them. You can actually read a lot of spiritual truths that Jesus taught while He was eating with people. There are many stories also of one on one talk with Jesus.
So, today, let us open ourselves and have a conversation with God. Let us pour out everything to Him. Let us also listen as He talks to us as well.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Director, Office of Communications
Central Philippine University