God Speaks through His Word

After saying that he would "watch to see" what God had to say to him (Hab. 2:1), God spoke to Habakkuk and said, "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it" (Hab. 2:2). God's word is written so that we may read it and be empowered by it to run the race of faith. Through the word we hear God's voice, that "still small voice," and receive His guidance. God speaks to us to direct our path and to bring glory to Himself through us.

The Psalmist said, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10). For God to accomplish His purpose in our life, we must be still and listen for His voice as He speaks through His word. Knowing that God speaks is a start. But we must hear His voice, we must hear God's call if we are to follow Him and live for Him. Paul said, "For 'who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?' But we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:16). God speaks through Christ in us to accomplish His purpose.

God spoke to the Apostle Paul in a vision: "Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, 'Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city'" (Acts 18:9-10). Visions were not uncommon in Bible times. The Lord God often spoke to His servants through visions. But even through the visions, God spoke quietly to the heart.

In addition to Paul, we saw that God spoke to Habakkuk in a vision. He told Habakkuk to "write the vision" (Hab. 2:2). God spoke to Abram (Abraham) in a vision: "After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward'" (Gen. 15:1). God spoke to Israel, that is Jacob, in visions: "Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, 'Jacob, Jacob!' And he said, 'Here I am'" (Gen. 46:2).

Visions and dreams are closely related. In the book of Job, Eliphaz the Temanite spoke of "disquieting thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on men" (Job 4:13). "Deep sleep" would be that time of night when men have dreams. God speaks to His faithful servants through dreams. Visions would be similar; except they are often experienced during the day while awake.

In today's world, receiving messages from God through visions and dreams is rare and unusual. But no matter what method God uses to speak, He still speaks directly to your heart and mind with that "still small voice." In each case, we need to go to the word to confirm the message. It is primarily through the Bible, the word of God, that He speaks to us to reveal His purposes, His designs, and His plans. Amen.