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We've been talking about communicating with God for a while now, but we've only scratched the surface. We haven't touched on how God speaks through music. I'm not referring to our worship/praise time - hopefully our hearts are turned to Him in those times, and there's a lot of “communication” happening. I'm talking about that “random” song that comes on the radio while we're driving down the road on a Tuesday - it says exactly what we need to hear in that moment, and we know it's God reaching out to us. What song has God spoken to you through lately?

We haven't discussed the way God makes Himself and His power known through nature. Have you told God what you enjoy seeing while you're outside? Let Him know. When I see those things I enjoy, I feel like God's winking at me, saying “Yup, that's for you.”

God also speaks through circumstances, miracles, and healings - all interesting topics. And although there's more that could be said, this will be our last week on this topic for the time being. I hope that the time spent on communication with God has whet your appetite and encouraged you to have more “conversations” with Him. With the time we have left today, let's get into one last area…

I met my husband when I was 24 years old. After a series of conversations involving numerous people, a co-worker of mine gave him my phone number. A week or so later we went out on our first date. After we had dated for a month or two, I knew he was “the one” that I was meant to frustrate and annoy for the rest of my life. I just knew he was that lucky guy. (Love ya, Babe.) About 14 months after our first date, we were married.

God communicates with us that way - He gives us a “settledness” or “knowing” deep down that may be hard to explain. Things just become very clear to us - the right (or wrong) answer is obvious. There's no convincing needed. We just know. Other times we have a strong vision for something. There's a clarity in what needs to be done and the direction that needs to be pursued.

This form of communication may get overlooked as it doesn't always “feel” spiritual. It seems more intuitive or intellectual/mental. The lack of an emotional response may keep us from connecting it with God and its “spiritual” aspect. But check out Job 38:36 (ESV): “Who has put wisdom in the inward parts or given understanding to the mind?”

The answer, of course, is God. True wisdom and knowledge belong to Him. It shouldn't surprise us when He deposits some of it within us. God's Word and peace will confirm it. It may take time and allowing things to unfold for the “knowing” or direction God gives us to prove itself. So let me ask you: Have you ever just “known” what needs to be done?

A challenge when we're convinced of something is not to run ahead of God and leave Him behind. We need to be purposeful in staying connected with Him. God gave me definite direction concerning the man I was to marry. But it wasn't God's intention to show me and then for Him to walk out of the picture. Quite the opposite actually.

Another thing we need to be committed to is remaining personally engaged in the everyday mundane as we pursue this “plan” that God has given us vision for. It wasn't easy not to rush to the altar once I knew I met “the one.” (Let's get on with it!) I had to continue to focus on work, other relationships, and the smaller, less exciting things that made up my life at the time. When God gives us insight into something that means a lot to us, we need to stay present in each day while pursuing what He's placed before us.

Even as we're led by Him and given the right thing to do, we'll encounter difficulties. One of the reasons God may make things SO clear and give us such a deep “knowing” is because the road we'll be traveling on may be challenging, and it'll help to have something to hold on to. I have a couple friends who know God has asked them to do certain things, difficult things. That “knowing” is what's leading them on through the hard stuff. God's continued peace confirms each step they take.

Exercise: Can you remember past experiences of this type of communication? How did you “know”? Is God talking to you now in this way about anything - whether big or small? If it involves doing something, are you being obedient?

Tip: If you hear God in this fashion, you may find that even though it's clear to you, others don't see it yet - they haven't gotten that “memo.” Keep lines of communication open with them - answer questions (patiently and kindly). Include them and take time to explain as best you can.

Jesus knew why He was sent to earth - He knew He eventually would be crucified. Jesus explained it to His disciples (initially they didn't understand), He stayed present in everyday life and connected with those around Him, and He was obedient even though at times it was difficult (extremely). In the end it was worth it (to say the least).

If God has settled something for you that requires action, don't hesitate to ask Him for help in walking it out. Remember: obedience is faith with legs. It'll be worth it.