Listen

David, a great warrior, fled from the conspiracy of his own son, not that he knew not how to combat against it, but as a part of God's chastening for his sin, he had to flee. Yes, he fled indeed, but he also had to fight back. As a great warrior, he formed armies skillfully into three bands and he himself decided to join one of them. At that juncture the people prohibited him from going to battle and suggested otherwise, "You shall not go forth..." 2 Samuel 18:3. Then  David replied, "What seems best in your sight I will do" v.4. He did so and things turned out well, except that his beloved son Absalom was killed, this still under God's sovereignty.

The speaking of God comes in manifold ways, only if we have ears to listen and hear what He has to say. God speaks in the way we understand that He speaks. He will use anyone He wishes to, at any time, for His own purpose. As in kind David's life, I believe, the speaking of the people was God's speaking. Prior to this, he always had to ask God if he should go to battle or not. But this time, the people spoke to him and he listened; to me that's God's speaking.

God spoke through prophets, priests and kings; and today He still speaks, the medium and channel may be varied, we only have to discern the Lord's speaking through whatever or whichever way, and we must listen and obey.

Even in our Christian lives today, the Lord keeps speaking..... Through the Word, through the indwelling Spirit, through circumstances, through the saints, the members of the Body of Christ, and sometimes even through gentiles! Only if we have ear to listen, we will hear the Lord's speaking. Having said this, better be reminded, Satan also speaks. But we only have to discern who is behind the channel of speaking. If we exercise our spirit, live and walk in the Spirit, we will easily discern the source--God or someone else. And accordingly listen and obey all that of God, and blessed shall we be.

Lord, open my ears that I may hear,

Open my mind that I may understand,

Sharpen my spirit that I may discern,

Subdue my will that I may obey,

Strengthen my body that I may execute;

All of Thy will, yea, all of Thy will,

According to Thy way and in Thy time.