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14 I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.
*Psalm 119.14 (NLT)
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God's Presence can manifest to us in varied ways. As we become more alert to that Presence, we will be able to sense and receive it more often. Indeed, at times, we might be surprised by it. This does not mean God is not always speaking, even shouting, only that we hear only as we are prepared to hear.
Recently, after what many would call real bad news, I lay myself down to sleep on the floor at night. I was alone, except for my St. Francis - black lab - lying near me. I turned onto my side. I could not sleep, but was restful. I was surprised to come to be aware of a song I had known for many years; music and words, were playing repeatedly in my mind.
I was not choosing to think on the song. Amused and pleased, I realized the words of the song fit my present circumstance. I was encouraged, for I knew Spirit was calling forth that within my mind to assure I was being taken care of, all was and would be okay. Even thinking on that moment, joy rises within my heart with gratitude and love to God.
Just earlier that day, I was speaking to a dear woman on the phone. She was giving supportive advice. I had no idea she would be willing to or comfortable with praying for me on the phone. Yet, during conversation, I kept getting an intuition I was to ask her to pray for me. I did. She said, "Me pray for you?" I replied, "Yes..." She seemed surprised, but went on to offer a wonderful prayer.
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A man in my congregation was traveling down a road. There was a forthcoming stop light. He had the go signal. He heard a voice, but no one was visibly present, and it yelled, "Stop!" He obeyed, immediately. Then, after stopping abruptly, a vehicle ran the stop light, in the path he was headed. Later, this man informed me he learned by that never to question that Voice.
A pastor was preaching to the class, during his theological training. He told of accepting the vocation to preach. He had been resisting, until one night, when he heard a voice saying, "This is your last chance." Knowing the Spirit was being serious, and would no longer keep calling, he accepted the call and began his theological training.
Hebrew Scriptures speak of the Ha Dbhr YHWH, or The Word of the LORD. Often the prophets began or ended an oracle with this designation, or a variant. This was a living, active, and creative word, with energy to change things in history or the person. The Word was a manifestation on the human plane of the Divine in the celestial world.
The Word is still active, and is not reduced to Scripture, or that would contradict Scripture itself - which testifies to the Word in the Hebrew sense and in Christ, the Word (Logos, the Greek equivalent of Dbhr).
When we receive the Word, we receive an affirmation that we are not alone. This Word can give guidance, convict, console, warn, ... Means of receiving the Word are Scripture, spiritual-religious writing, songs and hymns, sermons, teachings, prophecies, advice of friends, premonitions, ...
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