God Hears

In 1 Thessalonians 4:18, the apostle Paul offers a simple instruction to believers: “Encourage each other with these words” (NLT). In this week’s devotions, we’re going to look at some words—some truths from Scripture—that believers can draw on to offer encouragement to one another. In today’s devotion, we’re going to focus on a truth from the Old Testament book of Malachi: God hears when we talk about Him—and that has powerful implications on our fellowship with other believers.

Have you ever heard someone call or mention your name in a public setting? If so, you no doubt turned your attention to the person speaking. When my grandchildren speak the word Papa, I turn to look. What’s more, when I hear any little child in any setting use the word Papa, I turn around instinctively. I am attuned to that word.

In the same way, God listens and hears when we talk about Him. We are told in Malachi 3:16, “Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name” (NKJV). That phrase listened and heard carries the idea of inclining the ear or paying close attention.

The Lord likes to listen to our conversations. He likes it when we gather for fellowship because it sets the stage for robust discussions about Him and His blessings in our lives. In the book of Acts, we read that the early church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42 NKJV). The word translated as “fellowship” in this passage comes from the Greek word koinonia. The word also can be translated as “partnership,” “communion,” or “participation.” The idea is that the first-century believers loved to gather together.

Good things happen in our relationship with God when we’re in fellowship with others who stand awed by Him. It stands to reason, then, that when you’re walking with God, you’ll want to be with God’s people, too. And when you’re not walking with God, you may find yourself pulling away from God’s people as well. Our attitude toward fellowship can be a good gauge of where we are spiritually.

If you find yourself out of fellowship with God, you’ll often find yourself out of fellowship with other believers as well.

Reflection question: How can you spend more time in fellowship with other believers? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

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