How often do we take time to listen to what God is saying to us through prayer, Scripture, or the Holy Spirit?

[servant of Christ01]

Bread of Heaven/ Word of Life/ Jesus is the word of God

Psalm 85:8: I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly.

Extended Explanation of the Verse:
In Psalm 85:8, the psalmist takes a posture of listening, showing a readiness to hear from God. This verse highlights the importance of being attentive to God’s voice, especially in times of uncertainty or distress. God promises peace to His people—peace that goes beyond just an absence of conflict but speaks to a deep sense of well-being and wholeness. However, this peace is conditional on remaining faithful. The warning “let them not turn to folly” serves as a reminder that turning away from God’s ways leads to consequences. The psalmist recognizes that while God offers peace and blessings, it requires a commitment to live wisely and obediently.

Historical Context:
Psalm 85 was likely written in the aftermath of Israel’s return from exile. The people had experienced God’s discipline, and now they were in a season of restoration. However, the journey back to their former glory was not automatic; it required them to walk in obedience and faithfulness. The psalmist’s focus on listening to God emphasizes that the people needed God’s guidance to avoid repeating the mistakes of their past. The reference to “peace” in this context indicates a desire not just for physical safety but also for spiritual renewal and alignment with God’s will.

Theological Implications:
This verse speaks to the nature of God as a communicator. God is not distant or silent; He actively speaks to those who seek Him. The promise of peace is a central theme in the Bible, but it is often tied to living in accordance with God’s principles. True peace is not simply a lack of problems but a state of inner assurance that comes from walking closely with God. The verse also highlights human responsibility—while God promises peace, it requires us to listen, trust, and avoid foolishness. It teaches that God’s blessings are linked to a heart that remains faithful.

Literary Analysis:
Psalm 85:8 uses straightforward but powerful language to convey a deep truth. The phrase “I will listen” is an expression of intentionality; it shows that hearing God’s voice is not passive but requires focus and readiness. The contrast between the promise of peace and the warning against folly highlights a key biblical principle: blessings are tied to obedience. The structure of the verse draws the reader’s attention to both God’s gracious promise and the human responsibility to respond wisely.

Biblical Cross-References:
The themes in Psalm 85:8 resonate throughout Scripture:
Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”
These verses emphasize that true peace comes from trusting in God, listening to Him, and living in alignment with His will.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian:
For Christians today, Psalm 85:8 is a call to actively listen to God’s voice in our lives. In a world filled with noise and distractions, it can be easy to miss what God is saying to us. This verse reminds us that God is always speaking, whether through His Word, prayer, or the circumstances around us. The promise of peace is still available, but it requires a commitment to follow God and not be led astray by the temptations of the world. For believers, this verse is both a comfort and a challenge: God offers peace, but we must choose to listen and obey.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God:
This verse reveals God’s loving nature by showing that He is willing to speak to His people and offer them peace. The fact that God communicates with us demonstrates His desire for a relationship, not just a set of rules to follow. God’s promise of peace is a reflection of His deep love for His people—He wants what is best for us. The warning against turning to folly is not a threat but an expression of God’s protective love, encouraging us to stay on the right path that leads to blessing.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ:
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise of peace. In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Jesus came to bring us peace with God, peace in our hearts, and peace with one another. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provided a way for us to have a restored relationship with God. As Paul writes in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jesus is the voice we are called to listen to, guiding us into a life of peace and purpose.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion:
How often do we take time to listen to what God is saying to us through prayer, Scripture, or the Holy Spirit?
What distractions in our life might be preventing us from hearing God’s voice clearly?
How can we cultivate a heart that is open to God’s guidance and willing to turn away from folly?
In what areas of our life do we need to experience the peace that God promises?
How does listening to Jesus’ words and following His example bring peace into our daily life?
Psalm 85:8 challenges us to quiet our hearts and listen for God’s voice. In doing so, we can experience the peace that only He can give—a peace that remains steadfast even in a chaotic world.

Prayer for Romans 5:1:
“Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Praying through Romans 5:1: Our prayer:
Loving Father, how wonderful to know that we have peace with You, through faith in Christ Jesus. The wrath that should have been poured out on us, because of our sin, was poured out on Your only begotten Son, Who willingly took the punishment that we deserved. He did this so that we could have peace with You forever. Thank You for Your grace and mercy toward us. In Jesus' name we pray, AMEN.

 

[Articles]

We are deeply moved by your reflection on Psalm 85:8 and the call to listen to God’s voice through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit. This is a vital truth for every believer, for God does not leave us to wander in silence but speaks to those who seek Him with a humble and attentive heart. The psalmist’s posture of listening is one we must all adopt, for faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Yet how often do we rush through our days, filling our ears with the noise of the world while neglecting the still, small voice of our Heavenly Father?

The promise of peace in Psalm 85:8 is not merely the absence of conflict but the deep, abiding shalom that comes from walking in alignment with God’s will. This peace is only possible when we choose obedience over folly, wisdom over worldly distractions, and trust over self-reliance. The warning against turning to folly is not a threat but a loving invitation to remain in the safety of God’s presence. As James 1:22 reminds us, we must not merely listen to the word but do what it says, lest we deceive ourselves. True listening requires action—turning away from sin, embracing righteousness, and following Christ wholeheartedly.

Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise of peace. He is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), the Good Shepherd whose voice we must recognize and follow (John 10:27). Through His sacrifice, we have peace with God (Romans 5:1), and through His Spirit, we are empowered to walk in that peace daily. Yet this requires intentionality. We must carve out time in our busy lives to sit at His feet, as Mary did (Luke 10:39), rather than being distracted by the cares of this world like Martha. The Holy Spirit speaks, but we must be still enough to hear Him (Psalm 46:10).

Let us examine our hearts: Are we truly listening, or have we allowed the clamor of the world to drown out God’s voice? Do we approach Scripture with a teachable spirit, or do we read it hurriedly, checking a box rather than seeking transformation? The Holy Spirit convicts, guides, and comforts, but we must be sensitive to His leading. If we find ourselves struggling to hear God, we must ask: What idols have we allowed to take His place? What sins have we tolerated that grieve the Spirit? Repentance is the first step to restoring clear communication with our Father.

We also must address the folly of neglecting God’s Word. In a culture that increasingly rejects biblical truth, we are called to stand firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13). This means not only listening to God but also obeying Him, even when His commands run counter to popular opinion. The sanctity of marriage, the call to sexual purity, and the rejection of sinful lifestyles are not outdated concepts but divine boundaries that protect us from harm. When we ignore these truths, we turn to folly and forfeit the peace God offers.

Let us pray together:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts open to Your voice. Forgive us for the times we have allowed the noise of this world to drown out Your truth. Teach us to listen—to Your Word, to Your Spirit, and to the gentle whisper of Your presence. We confess that we have often rushed through prayer and Scripture without truly seeking Your face. Renew in us a hunger for Your truth and a desire to obey it.

Lord, we ask for the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, and help us to walk in wisdom, turning away from every form of folly. Where we have strayed, bring us back. Where we have hardened our hearts, soften them. Where we have ignored Your voice, open our ears to hear.

We thank You for Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who has reconciled us to You. May we listen to His voice above all others and follow Him faithfully. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may discern Your will and walk in it with joy and confidence.

Father, we also pray for those who do not yet know You. May they hear Your voice calling them to salvation through Jesus Christ, the only name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Draw them to Yourself, and let them experience the peace that comes from being in right relationship with You.

We commit our ears, our hearts, and our lives to You. Speak, Lord, for Your servants are listening. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

 

[hostadmin]

We're with you in seeking to hear God's voice more clearly. Like the psalmist, let's make a conscious effort to listen for God's guidance in our daily lives. Here are some practical ways we can do this:

1. **Quiet Time**: Set aside dedicated time each day to be still and listen. This could be in the morning, evening, or whenever works best for you. Find a quiet place, free from distractions, where you can sit comfortably and focus.

2. **Prayer**: Talk to God openly and honestly. Share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Then, take a moment to be silent and listen for His response. It might come as a thought, a Scripture verse, or a sense of peace.

3. **Scripture Reading**: Read the Bible regularly. As you read, ask God to speak to you through His Word. Pay attention to any verses or phrases that stand out to you. These could be God's way of getting your attention.

4. **Nature Walk**: Spend time in nature. God often speaks to us through creation. As you walk, be present and open to His voice.

5. **Journaling**: Write down your thoughts, prayers, and any impressions you receive. This can help clarify your thoughts and provide a record of how God has spoken to you.

6. **Community**: Share with others about what God is teaching you. Discussing your faith journey with others can deepen your understanding and provide accountability.

Remember, God is not a distant, silent deity. He desires to communicate with us. But we must be intentional about creating space for Him to speak and be open to hearing His voice.

Let's pray together:

Lord, we want to hear Your voice. Help us to be still and know that You are God. Open our ears to hear Your voice in our quiet times, in Your Word, in nature, and through the Holy Spirit. Help us to be attentive and responsive to Your leading. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

 

[JesusourLordandSavior]

Thank you Heavenly Father for blessing us with another day, and for all you do for all of us. All glory and honor belongs to you Father. I lift this prayer up on your glory Father God and ask that you grant your perfect will. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬

 

[bobr69]

I prayed for this in Jesus Name.