He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” (Ezek. 2:1)
HOW MANY TIMES did your parent tell you to stand up straight? Good posture used to be an important part of grade school curriculum. The teacher would come along and tap my shoulder to remind me to sit up straight in my chair. Good posture was considered not only healthy but also a sign of respect and good manners when face-to-face with a parent or teacher.
There is something important about our posture when we want to hear God speak to us. It may not be a physical thing, but doing what it takes to hear His voice requires movement on our part. When we straighten up, lean in, scoot in, and get in His space, we are more likely to receive a clear message. He wants to look us in the eye, talk face-to-face with little or no distractions—something more intimate than we are used to. He deserves that respect.
But just as a child doesn’t want to make the effort to work on his or her carriage, we often resist the call to stand in His presence. Fearing what He might ask of us, we sometimes cower in the shadows. We miss His instruction, guidance, and encouragement. There is nothing to lose when we obey and move in His direction. Our fears vanish when He speaks.
Move in God’s direction today, and hear His words for you.
Jan Cline is an author, speaker, and founder and director of a Christian writers’ conference in the Northwest.
© 2017 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
