two way relationship
“He wakes me up every morning, perks up my ears to listen as if someone is being taught.” – Isaiah 50:4b
The prophet Isaiah described our relationship with God as one that has two-way communication. Have you ever felt that your communication with God was only one way – only you to Him? Isaiah tells us, “The Lord God has taught me, that I may know the word that restores the weary…The Lord God has opened my ears, and I have not rebelled; I have not turned back” (Isa. 50:4-5).
The key to Isaiah’s relationship with God lies in four important principles:
1. He had a directed tongue. Isaiah completely surrendered the rule of his life to God’s purposes.
2. He knew the Lord’s Word, which allowed him to support and encourage others.
3. He took time to listen.
4. He did not run away from difficult tasks. He did not step back.
If we are to be able to hear God, we must follow the same principles. Spending time knowing and studying God’s Word allows the Holy Spirit to bring to mind His instructions about what He wants for us. Recently, I became very busy with my work and other activities. It wasn’t long before I felt distance between God and me. I had to make a conscious decision to set aside more time alone to listen to, study, and meditate on His Word. This is a lifeline for the follower of Jesus. When we start losing the relationship, we become rebellious and start going our own way. Invest your life in this relationship so that you can continue to hear His voice and support the weary people around you.
