In Your Gizzard (part 1)

We all go through trying and difficult times in our life. Perhaps someone we love disappointed or even left us, or we made bad choices that hurt others and ourselves. Perhaps we’re just overwhelmed by the circumstances of our life. It’s especially important in moments like these that we cry out to God and then turn to Him.I am thankful for the people who came alongside me in the times when I felt I was being swallowed up by the events in my life. I’m convinced they came as God’s answers to my prayers!One person that God used to help me many years ago was a pastor, Dr. Sandra Brown. She was originally from the Southern United States and in addition to an impressive resume also had a charming southern accent and an expression for just about anything. She was like a spiritual aunt to me and encouraged me in a time when I needed God’s hope. Most importantly she reminded me that God was always with me even when I didn’t always feel His presence. Dr. Brown taught me that God was willing to speak to me the depth of my being. She put it this way:“Listen to your gizzard. God will speak to you there.”To be clear, Dr. Brown wasn’t talking about a part of a bird’s anatomy. Her point was that God’s Holy Spirit lives within all Christians and speaks to us in the deepest part of our soul if we are willing to listen and follow His promptings.An example of this took place in the Old Testament life of a very young boy named Samuel. This boy kept waking up to a voice calling his name in the middle of the night.  Each time Samuel awoke his mentor Eli who told him to go back to sleep. Finally Eli realized it could be God calling Samuel, and instructed the boy to answer the call. Here’s how the Scriptures describe it:

“The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

1 Samuel 3:10

I need to point out that not all voices are from God, so it’s important that we have a framework to prevent being deceived by our own fallen thoughts or the fractured voices around us.

• First, the Holy Spirit comes as we totally surrender ourselves to Jesus Christ and receive His forgiveness, cleansing, and new nature.

• Next, The Holy Spirit prompts us to read and absorb God’s Word in the Bible, both alone and with other people.

• The Holy Spirit energizes and brings God’s Word to life in our minds, words, prayers, and life.

• God’s promptings and voice will ALWAYS be in line with His Word and so that He will be glorified and people saved or encouraged by His power.

I cherish the presence and voice of God’s Holy Spirit in my life. It is His power that enables me to worship God and live a worshipful life in Him.I invite you to pray along with me, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”More on this next time.Blessings to you!Chris