2 Chronicles 33:10,11
“So the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention.Therefore the LORD brought the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria against them, and they captured Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze chains, and led him to Babylon.”
God has ways to get our attention. He tried to speak to Manasseh, but he and his team weren’t interested. Unfortunately, there are many who aren’t. Even christians can ignore Him. We aren’t exempt just because we are His children.
David talks about hidden sin. Psalm 19:12 says, “Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.” We may be doing things wrong and not know it. That’s a good prayer to pray.
God and His mercy doesn’t give up on us. He sent an army to get the kings attention. He can get our attention as well. If we are ignoring Him He will send something disruptive. I know some see it as punishment. His kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).
We want to be sensitive to His voice. David describes how not to be in Psalm 32:9 says, “Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you.” He has our best in mind. We might not like it upon the hearing, but it’s for our best. We might not like what He pries out of our hands, but it’s for a good reason. It might enslave us.
Hebrews 5:14 refers to our spiritual senses, “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.” We hear His voice, we recognize His leading, we sense His stopping, we feel His love. His voice is a still small voice. Which is interesting as He is the all powerful, all knowing God.
Lord, thank You for Your love and Your presence. You give us peace. Help us to know Your voice and to listen.