April 17 – 24, 2026

“WE NEED TO TALK!”

Habakkuk 1:2 “How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen!” (NLT)

Have you ever felt like that? It seems like God isn’t listening, but the truth is we aren’t listening to HIM. Or more accurately, we aren’t giving God time to talk. The book of Habakkuk could be called “The Book of Normal Communication with God” or “How Relationship with God is Done!” Chapter 1: Habakkuk talks. Then God talks. Chapter 2: Habakkuk asks questions about what God has said and then—here’s the KEY—he listens for God’s response! He goes to a quiet place and stills his own thoughts and emotions. Sure enough, God speaks and changes Habakkuk’s perspective! Chapter 3 is Habakkuk’s prayer in which he now sees the world through God’s eyes. 

Most people think talking with God is a two-step process: We speak, God listens. And it ends with, “God, why don’t you hear me??” But talking with God is a four-step process: We speak. God listens. We listen. God speaks.

God wants to warn you to stay away from certain people. He will lead you away from harmful things. He will lead you to safety. He will let you know what battles you should fight and what battles are not yours to fight. It’s called “being led” by the Spirit of God. Don’t miss the awesome plan and purpose God has for your life! Get to know His voice!

You may be listening for an audible voice. God does speak that way at times. But usually His voice comes as spontaneous thoughts, feelings, or impressions within your spirit—a gentle nudge, a strong “sense” rather than words, “I just felt like I was supposed to do this or that.” God is never pushy and never bullying. What you hear from God will always line up with the Bible. God’s voice is clear. You can never argue with its truth! It is strong, stable, assured, confident, yet loving. It is sometimes tinged with humor and sometimes, with me, He just rears back, kicks me in the butt, and says, “We need to talk!” His voice is always trustworthy and true. And lastly, a genuine conversation with God will ALWAYS end in praise.

 

This is an excerpt from a 90-day devotional written by Emil and Karen. To order the full devotional, click on the TO ORDER DEVOTIONAL page.