Hearing and connecting with God

Our centre of focus

Life is hectic and the demands of our human existence pulls on us for attention. We are more often than not focussed on things that we need as individuals. That seems natural but it prevents us from connecting with our spiritual side.

There’s no problem with ensuring that we have all that we need for survival. We definitely need food, water, shelter and a safe environment. But we also need love, self respect and a realisation that we are achieving our full potential. These are basic needs and were first described in 1943 (Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs).

Having insufficient food and water affects our physical health. It can also affect our psychological well-being. Clearly a lack of love, self-respect and achievement have psychological impact. We may become depressed, sarcastic, angry or self-deprecating. Some of us may turn to things of the world for relief from personal pain. Things like drugs, alcohol or sexual immorality.

Romans 8.7 – For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.

How much do we need?

Our centre of focus is what’s important to us and our whole life will revolve around that. If we are focussed on self-interest then life revolves around ourself. We become less interested in the well being of others and seek elevation of self above all others. Our status and recognition are of value to us. In extreme cases we may be seen as power hungry, lacking empathy, egotistical, domineering and self absorbed.

I’m not suggesting that you are like that but we have all learnt to act in self-interest. Getting in touch with our spiritual side does not have an obvious immediate value. It’s just not the same as having something that we can see and touch. We don’t appreciate that spiritual connection can bring a great sense of peace and satisfaction.

We accumulate more and more assets, gadgets, jewellery, property and money. Of course it’s important that we are financially secure but we only need so much. Having more than we really need and being unduly self-focussed will not bring true happiness.

Our spiritual connection

An alternative approach is to turn to God by getting in touch with our spiritual side. So many times we see people who have suffered greatly and who have failed to achieve satisfaction by seeking out worldly things. Yet they have achieved peace of mind by connecting with God.

God speaks quietly but he lives within us all. He is our inner voice and lets us know what is right and what is wrong. Our morals, our attitude towards others and the way we live our life are all driven from within.

John 10.27 – My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Our inner voice

That inner voice of God may be drowned out by distractions and intrusive thoughts. To connect with God we need to detach from self-interest and get in touch with our spiritual side. 

Choose a silent place and time where you can reflect on your life and pray. Some people find comfort in a relaxing forest or overlooking a sunny beach. Wherever you do this, avoid distractions and focus on the issues without allowing intrusive thoughts.

The power of prayer

I always felt that if God was everywhere it didn’t matter where I prayed. Despite that it was something that I would rarely do. I still hold that view but now, following my epiphany, I pray daily. 

I still believe that prayer can occur anywhere. My prayers are between me and God so I pray in private. I also realise that it must be done with conviction and belief. Without that it is meaningless.

Mathew 6:5-6 And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Prayer acts on us. It’s food for the soul.

If we pray, it’s not just God who’s listening. We are. But God lives within us all. It’s a great partnership if we are fully aligned with one another. 

Our own self-talk will bring about change and make us more aware of how we can achieve what we are seeking. We are more receptive to what we need and that is something that I noted in my blog titled “Our Awareness”. 

God works in mysterious ways. He provides us with the necessary clues to what we are trying to find. It amazes me that after praying for guidance something happens that I was not specifically looking for. Yet it provides the information that I really need.

Psalm 107:9 – For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things.

Some other useful bible quotes

James 4:3 – You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

James 5:16 – Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.