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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
What does it take to get your attention? You probably think, ‘Not much, I listen pretty well.’ Would your friends and family agree? Before you get mad, let me say you’re both probably right. You undoubtedly listen more than you let on and your parents, in particular, might overstate their case because they’re not sure you do.
But is that an attempt to impose their will, depriving you of fun i the process? NO! It’s because they love you so very much, because they’re scared – about you and for you; wanting the absolute best for your life! When you were younger they could steer you clear of danger, right the wrong, fix the hurt and make up the difference. Now they can’t do those things to the same extent, if at all. They can help some if you allow them to, they can do some demanding if you force them to, but to a larger extent than ever before you’re on your own. For good or bad, you will be making decisions on a daily basis you’ve never made before; facing opportunities, challenges, and pitfalls you’ve never even imagined. It’s an exciting and scary time for everyone. You’ve been taught well; at home, church, and school. Continue to study the Word as well as your homework assignments and listen! You will do well, you will make mistakes; but if you’re willing to listen, they will be manageable. But who should you listen to? Your parents, as they visit you in remembered instruction and tearful cautions, your teachers and preacher in recollected classroom and sanctuary lectures and sermons, your God as he speaks to you through his Word. The Book of Proverbs assuring us that, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22
You have to be willing to listen on purpose though; and then heed what you hear and act accordingly. A classic example of this need to purposefully listen is found in the Old Testament story of Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-15); who had just experienced great success and to his dismay, a few defeats and confusing circumstances as well. In other words, life! The problem was, he wasn’t expecting the defeats and confusion and was discouraged by them. As is always the case when we truly turn to God for help, He provided for Elijah’s physical well-being and directed him to a place of solitude. This offered him a chance to rest his body, calm his emotions and find peace spiritually. Elijah was removed from the confusion and distractions of the moment and there found God, who almost immediately asked him, “What are you doing here?”
He did this not to further confuse or disappoint Elijah, but to encourage him to focus on what it was he wanted, what he really needed, what he expected from God and what God expected from him. In the process, Elijah was witness to a whirlwind that tossed his surroundings about, to an earthquake that shook the ground beneath him and to a fierce fire that burned away the countryside; all typical ways used to characterize God, especially throughout the Old Testament. He often dealing with people through his spectacular power and strength, inspiring awe and obedience; challenging them then to repent and rededicate. But this time, “God was not in them.” Finally, a gentle whisper (NIV), or still small voice (KJ) came again asking, “What are you doing here?” If we had been there I think we would have heard in that gentle voice consolation, comfort, understanding, and yet a hint of challenge. In essence, instructing him to, ‘Let go of that which you don’t understand, that which you can’t resolve, and do what you know to do!’
We won’t always understand all of life’s difficulties or see clearly the Lord’s working in all our circumstances. But we must keep on doing that which we do know and wait expectantly to be shown (and gain further understanding for) the rest. Sometimes God has to deal with people through the thunder and wind, shifting earth and fire because they won’t listen otherwise; loving them enough to keep on trying to get their attention. (Sometimes parents have to do the same; although they would rather use that still small voice. The question is – will you listen to it, making the louder stuff unnecessary?)
When they say, ‘Be good, be careful, act your age, remember how you were raised,’ as you leave the house for the evening, it is with the realization that there is really only so much they can do now to guide and protect you on a daily basis. It’s your mom and dad’s way of wrapping that last little bit of love, concern, and maybe even protection about you as you walk through the door. This is done in the hope that maybe, when tempted to give in to peer pressure and indulge yourself in any number of foolish or careless activities, the last words of caution you heard from the ones who love you most will be heard again and you will be encouraged and enabled to turn from temptation, resisting the pressure to conform to the world’s standards, standing firm in what you know to be right. That gentle whisper or still small voice is the voice of love; not a nagging, restrictive, condemning, or judgmental voice trying to deny you joy and pleasure. A voice saying, ‘I love you so much and can’t possibly imagine my life without you. I can’t bear the thought of you hurt or sick or living miserably as a result of faulty reasoning, poor decisions or bad choices.’ A sentiment equally expressed by your family and God.
An excellent character trait to develop now would be the ability to be quiet; finding a place of restful, receptive peace – to help you really listen, perceive and understand. Now is the time in your life to seek the Lord out for yourself, to get to know God on a personal level; not who everyone else says He is but who you find Him to be. Others’ counsel can and will help lead you to Him, but you must make the investment in time and the commitment of life to follow Him yourself. There are times when you will need to go to God yet quit asking repeatedly for help and just be quiet and listen for an answer. Turn the TV off, pull your ear-buds outs, show your friends the door, and go directly to God through His word and prayer. (See Psalm 46:10 & Jeremiah 29:13) Search the scriptures for Him and you will more than likely find yourself as well. Fail to do so, and you may very well have to experience the winds of turmoil, the confusion caused by the shifting ground of public opinion and the changing expectations of the world, the searing fear of uncertainty and disappointment. Conversely, “…the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 4:7
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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