Archive: “Speak Lord!”

By Marilyn N. Anderes

It has been said that “the call of God is like the call of the sea, no one hears it but the one who has the nature of the sea in him.” Those who belong to God know his unique voice. He speaks with authority, trustworthiness, and life. Unlike Satan, Jesus expresses no condemnation for the sinner—only for sin. Although listeners are an endangered species, we can take personal responsibility for removing the cotton from our ears in 1996.

Our example in good listening is the Lord himself. Psalm 116:1 tells us that he hears our “voice and [our] supplications.” God hears what we say and what we’re really saying—the cry of our hearts. Consider this example.

“A man with leprosy came to [Jesus] and begged him on his knees, ‘If you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean.’ Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured” (Mark 1:40- 42). Outside the city—often in the garbage heaps—banished lepers heard the familiar cries of taunting, fearful citizens. “Unclean! Unclean!” There weren’t many kind words and no hugs. With white, decaying lips the leper said “Heal me!” but with his heart he said, “Hold me!” Imagine the man’s joy as Jesus reached out and touched him.

God heard what the leper said and what he was really saying. And, God desires that we hear what he says and what he’s really saying—the cry of his heart. Oswald Chambers wrote: “Isaiah said the Lord spoke to him ‘with a strong hand’ (8:11), that is, by the pressure of circumstances. Every time circumstances press, say ‘Speak Lord.’ Then make time to listen.”

Psalm 107 offers four circumstances common to man. All of us fall into at least one of the scenarios and each of us can follow the solution offered. As you look at each example, probe your own life. Ask God to reveal where you fit most right now. Use the circumstance to say “Speak, Lord.” And then listen!

Psalm 107:4-9 tells about Wanderers With No Home. These people were lost, unsettled, hungry and thirsty for something. They longed for a haven. The wanderers sent out their SOS and were led by a straight way where they could settle. Their thirst was quenched and they were satisfied. They said, “Speak, Lord” and God showed them the way and they praised him (v. 8). Perhaps you’re looking for someone to settle down with, but you’ve not allowed Jesus to touch your heart until now. He is the way home!

Prisoners In Bondage (Psalm 107:10-16) were gloomy, chained, and seated in darkness. Why? Because they rebelled against God’s words and they stumbled. No one came to the rescue until God heard and broke through the gates and bars. Their heaviness turned into praise (vs. 15). They said “Speak, Lord!” and he showed them the truth. You, too, can make your way to freedom. John 8:31-32 says, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”(NASV).

Psalm 107:17-22 tells about Rebels In Affliction. Because of their many sins, these people were near death. They couldn’t even eat. But, again, they cried to God and he sent his living, enduring Word to heal them. Are you experiencing spiritual ill health; so sick you don’t care for the food of the Word? Say to God, “Speak, Lord,” and as you confess, he will show you life. Praise comes as you listen to his heart (v. 21).

Merchants In Peril (Psalm 107:23-32) were ordinary folks going about their business. They sailed with their wares to faraway ports, but the wind churned the waves. Up and down. Down and up. They were discouraged and their lives seemed as out of control as drunken sailors. Nothing they could think of worked. So, they cried to the Lord. Are you living a rollercoaster life, longing for balance? Are your daily schedules out of control and you’re at your wit’s end? Dare to say, “Speak, Lord” and watch God hush the waters as he guides you into his haven. Praising God, you’ll know the tempest can sound its fury but your heart will be stable because God spoke and you listened.

As the psalm continues we are reminded of God’s sovereignty, knowing he allows pressure-packed days to bring us to himself so that he can bless us. “Consider the great love of the Lord,” Psalm 107 concludes. That’s what happens when we open our ears to hear God address us with a strong hand.

In 1996, if you sense you are a wanderer, a prisoner, an afflicted one, or a roller-coaster Christian, say “Speak, Lord,” then make time to listen!