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Learn The Language Of God
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September 8, 2023
One of the challenges we face as believers is grasping how God communicates with us. He undoubtedly employs a unique language. While we might expect Him to use plain English, this is rarely the case. One of the most common questions serious disciples ask is, “How can I discern the voice of God?”
We can find instances of God speaking directly in scripture, but more often than not, He seems elusive and it frustrates us. It would be presumptuous of us to ask why He doesn't communicate more explicitly with each of us. Instead, we should strive to understand His language.
Picture yourself as a guest in a foreign country and insisting that everyone communicate in English. No, a thoughtful traveler would invest the effort to learn the language and possibly understand the cultural nuances of the place they're visiting. It would be quite presumptuous of us to make such unreasonable demands. Is it no less different with God?
I won't claim to be an expert on how God communicates, but one thing I know with certainty is God primarily communicates with us by using secondary causes through ordinary events of our day.
By secondary causes, I mean He employs other people and situations as intermediaries to communicate with us. We see this repeatedly in scripture. God, for sure has directly communicated to mankind without the use of a secondary cause but more often than not His preferred method is through a secondary cause. We should expect to hear from God. Thats what I love about the Jesuits and Ignatius spirtuality.
Secondary Cause vs Direct Conversation
A secondary cause is not the same as a direct conversation with God but it is nonetheless a conversation. A direct conversation would be Moses on the mountain receiving the commandments from God, akin to a one-on-one dialogue.
No doubt God has spoken directly to many of us but in my spiritual journey God has used secondary caused conversations to make a path known.
God is the uncaused cause. All others are secondary. He is often referred to as the "unmoved mover" in metaphysical terms. This means that all things are set in motion by God, yet He Himself remains unmoved, reflecting His unique and transcendent nature.
A Few Examples of Secondary Causes
Paintings: I have a painting in my home of the Lost Prodigal. What intrigues me about the painting is the hands of the father touching his son, which exude a profound gentleness and tenderness. Through this painting, God serves as a reminder, conveying his tenderness to me and reaffirming His protection over my soul.
Nature: One afternoon, as I engaged in prayer at dusk, I observed a sparrow feasting on seeds and a butterfly gracefully gliding through my yard. This scene instantly brought to mind Jesus' words about God's care for the sparrow, and I couldn't help but ponder: if He looks after the sparrow, wouldn't He also care for me? Contemplating the presence of the butterfly and how beautifully nature is designed for our delight, I felt God's affirmation of His love for me.
Music: Listen carefully and you will hear God speak his language to you.
Individuals: Pay close attention to the conversations and messages from various people throughout your day, especially when you're feeling a bit uneasy. What common themes or direction do you hear? Often voices are contrary. We need to learn to sift out the voices that are not from God. Use a journal and record your thoughts.
During a recent vacation, I observed a touching display of affection and care from a wife and daughter towards their elderly husband and father, who was in a wheelchair. This heartwarming scene played out at a breakfast buffet, and even though it seemed like an ordinary moment, I couldn't help but notice and silently watch in awe as it unfolded. In that moment, it felt as though God was conveying a message about His tenderness to all of us while using intermediaries to do His work.
Be observant. Look with your spiritual eyes.
Time & Learn
Learning any language takes time, so why would we expect to learn God's language by dedicating just a few minutes a day to prayer, expressing our concerns, and then waiting for an immediate response? It doesn't function in that manner.
Be serious! Take the time learn the language.
Unlike human communication, which relies on sounds and speech, God's communication style involves silence, imagery, and the use of secondary causes. It may seem perplexing because it's an unconventional communication style that requires patience. Humans prefer straightforward conversations, desiring quick and efficient messages.
There is a valid reason why God chooses His communication style over our own.
God loves us so deeply that once He has our attention, He doesn't want to let us go. So, He intrigues us, leaving us puzzled, and in doing so, He gets to spend more time with us along the way.
Over the course of four decades, I've grown to understand just a bit of this God who, well, deeply loves us. He doesn't just love you; He genuinely likes you. No matter how you may perceive yourself, God desires you. No matter how much of a mess you’ve made, He longs for you.
As a grandfather, there's nothing that brings me greater joy than embracing my grandchildren, each of whom knows how much I adore those long hugs. No quick hugs allowed! I relish the feeling of their hearts beating close to mine.
Don’t you think God is the same?