Principles on How to Hear from God

By Robert C. Ewing

This psalm is written with each letter corresponding to the Hebrew alphabet (minus koph). The
fact that verses 1 and 2 are in contrast to verses. 18 and 19 is seen in that both begin with double
Hebrew letters (aleph and resh). Could it be that this psalm was written after David's sin of numbering
the people (v. 1l, the central verse ,is the first such plea in the psalms)?

1. "Unto thee, o lord, do i lift up my soul. O my god, i trust in thee: let me not be ashamed," v.
1, 2. LOOKING UP TO GOD. As a shepherd David knew that his sheep must do this if he could
lead them. "I will guide thee with Mine eye..." (Ps. 32:8, KJV).
2. "Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress (act
treacherously) without cause," v. 3. WAITING ON GOD. God will confirm the validity of this before
the world so that one need not be ashamed.
3. "show (make known) to me thy ways, o lord; teach me thy paths," v. 4. PRAYING FOR
UNDERSTANDING, AND DIRECTION.
4. "lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the god of my salvation; on thee do i wait
(hope) all the day," v. 5. AN HONEST SEARCH AFTER GOD'S WORD. OBEYING IT (the proof
that it's an "honest" search.) It may take a little patience for this one.
5. "Remember, o lord, thy tender mercies (compassions) and thy lovingkindnesses; for they
have been ever of old (everlasting). Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions:
according to thy mercy (grace) remember thou me for thy goodness sake, 0 lord,” vs. 6, 7.
PREDESTINED, FOREORDAINED CIRCUMSTANCES BY WHICH GOD HAS CHOSEN TO
REVEAL HIS PLAN TO US. God once gave me a revelation of paths of light in the sky, from the
north to the south, all parallel, some great and some small. There was a tunnel, also of light, and
proportionate in size to the path that led up to the path. Interpretation. The paths were God's
predestined purposes that He has for the endtime, some great and some small. But the tunnel
pictures rest Some allow God to work just a little rest in them and others a great rest. Some must
be knocked down like Saul of Tarsus before they can rest. Others, like Ananias are already
prepared, except for a little personal dealing on God's part, as when He was led to Saul. This
principle shows the faithfulness of God (Isa. 25:1 -"..plan formed long ago, with perfect
faithfulness...," but He takes them out of His divine computer bank).
6. "good and upright is the lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way," v. 8. GOD'S
NATURE INSTINCTIVELY DESIRES TO REVEAL HIMSELF. "For when the Gentiles, which have
not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law..," Rm. 2:14 also, 1 Thes. 4:9, "Ye
yourselves are taught of God to love one another." "God is (agape) love." The words "goodness"
and "good" are the closest Hebrew equivalent to "agape".
7. "The meek (humble) will he guide in judgment (that which is right): and the meek he will
teach his way," v. 9. MEEKNESS or humility, "poor in spirit", submission. The scriptures abound
with ample proof of meekness as necessary to learn (Matt. 11:29) and also to teach properly (2
Tim. 2:25).
8. "All the paths of the lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his
testimonies. For thy name sake, o lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great," vs. 10, 11. LEARNING
BY EXPERIENCE HIS LIFE STYLE, COURSE OF ACTION ("PATHS"). These "paths" are called
"grace and truth," and come from Christ (Jn. 1:17). In the temple's outer court (which pictures our
relationships with the world, one of "brass" or constant testing) were two big pillars, Jachin or "He
will establish," and Boaz or "He is strength" (I K. 7:21). Truth establishes our pathway or life style
(Rm. 16:25) and grace is divine strength (2 Cor. 12:9). Life's traveler needs the right highway -this
leads to the ark of His glory -but also he needs gas for the tank. Scholars agree that verses 8, 9, 10
belong together. But why, suddenly, is v. 11 (Psalm's first such plea) concerning pardon? Because
we learn by experience God in our life style by His forgiveness.

These last three, (6) and (7) and (8) are really showing one basic principle of how to hear
from God. It is KNOWING GOD. But in three distinct ways. (A) BY WHO HE IS, and (B) BY WHAT
HE HAS, and (C) BY WHAT HE DOES through our lifestyle, our mode of action, when grace and
truth flow into it.

We have seen in the first of this trio how that because of Who He is, when he comes in our
spirit, He instinctively begins teaching us His divine nature and its instincts within us, love, etc. But
how does the second of this trio, the "meekness" principle, reflect how we can learn Him by What
He Has? Whereas -as just mentioned - our spirit has His inherent nature, the divine seed. But
through sanctification our soul receives, not inherent nature so much as it does imparted character.
This is called "the kingdom of God". Meekness in the O. T. has as its counterpart in the N. T., not
only meekness but its "poor in spirit" attitude as well. "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven" (Mat. 5:3). This meek "poor in spirit" attitude possesses the Kingdom, and
thereby teaches God Himself. Again, since "meekness" also means, in the O.T., "humility," these
two qualities, as already stated, are the two by which Christ describes H own character as seen in
Mat. 11:28 and 29. Having seen where our spirit, and now our soul, are used by God to help us to
fully know Him, it should be no surprise that by imparting grace and truth into our actions, our daily
lifestyle, that also our body is His instrument for to know Him.

Thank God for giving me my spirit. It is your container so as to show me who you are.
Thank God for a soul. It can possess your kingdom, so I can learn what your Son has for me.
Thank God for the body. It's your Spirit's temple to show me what you can do.

INTRODUCTION TO THE LAST FOUR PRINCIPLES

 These four also are "common denominator" principles. For they show us how to have God's
glory. In the context of speaking on "glory" (NAS says "boasting") is 1 Cor. 1:30. It says that we "are in
Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and
redemption (deliverance),". Not only "The wise shall inherit glory" (Pr. 3:35) ,but all those other three do
also. But each in a different way. Wisdom through its actions, whether building its beautiful house, or
whatever, obtains glory. Righteousness is that straight path whose end goal is glory. Sanctification is
that cleansing process, that after all the deep digging out of self, the polished diamond shines forth.
Redemption, when God frees us, and ultimately this means resurrection, we're in glory.
Now the first is the glory of the great things that He does. It took wisdom to span that universe
out there.
The second is the glory of what He has. Finally the way of righteousness pays off in the end.
The third is the glory of Who He is -that diamond, once polished, glistens like a star.
The fourth is the glory of Who He is with us. Yes, "Even so come Lord Jesus," but meanwhile
He's coming a few times before then when, in the pit of despair, I call and He pulls me out.
These all sum up as simply being the Glory of His Name (divine fame), and of His Word
(fruitfulness), of His Life (grace or divine favor), and of His Presence (fellowship).
At the expense of becoming tedious one can say the same thing another way. The first is glory
through us -the world sees this. The second is His glory processed by us. The third is His glory in us,
and the fourth is us in glory.
9. "what man is he that feareth the lord? Him shall he teach (direct) in the way that he shall
choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the lord is
with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant," vs. 12 - 14. "THE FEAR OF THE
LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM" (Pr. 9:10). The "fear of the Lord" key when placed into
the door of wisdom opens up His creative glory.
10. "Mine eyes are ever toward the lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. Turn thee
unto me, and have mercy upon me: for i am desolate (yachid, /thine/ only one) and afflicted. The
troubles of my heart are enlarged: o bring thou me out of my distresses," vs. 15-17.
WHOLEHEARTED OBEDIENCE - on a path of adverse pressures toward god's goal. This is the
key (Ps. 40: when placed in the door of righteousness that opens up revelation of fulfilled promises,
the, glory of His Word. The literal rendering of 2Thes. 3:1, 2 speaks of the Word of God running (as
on a race -course towards a goal -its fulfillment) in the midst of great opposition and thereby being
"glorified". Jn. 14:21.
11. "Look upon mine affliction and my pain (toil); and forgive all my sins. Look upon (literally)
mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred", vs. 18, 19. (Ps. 33:1-8, -I
Jn. 3-:3) HOPE AMIDST MANY ENEMIES, for his eyes to look down upon him. This key, when
turned, opens the door of sanctification thereby revealing the Glory of His holy life. "This is the
thing which the Lord has commanded you to do, that the glory of the Lord may appear unto you,"
(Lev. 9:6). Aaron and his sons -two of which were consumed when they offered strange fire -
waited by separating themselves apart before God for seven days and then God's holy fire came
and before all burnt up the sacrifice (9:24).
12. Read vs. 20-22. It includes, "let integrity and uprightness preserve me... Redeem israel.."
FAITHFULNESS (here it is seen as counsel of matured oversight who care for the preservation of
god's people) is the key that opens Redemption's door unto the Glory of His Presence. God always
has His Joseph ready when the crisis comes. Ps. 31:23,101:6; 1 Thes. 5:24.
ACTS DEMONSTRATING "HEARING GOD" PRINCIPLES

Acts, at least in this case, shows the Glory of God's Name, or glory of His acts. It is good - like
bringing witnesses to on the stand - to let Acts testify as to how we use these basic principles in being
open to God's voice. We find 24 instances in Acts and since they fall into pairs, these demonstrate the
12 principles...
WHERE
1) JERUSALEM VICINITY, 1:4-9
MT. OF OLIVES, 1:9-12.
2) UPPER ROOM JERUSALEM,
1:14-26. 2:1-8 (Is. 28:11)
3) TEMPLE, JER. 4:24-31.
PRISON, JER. 5:18-21.
4) SAMARIA, 8: (5), 26-28
GAZA DESERT, 8:29-39
5) DAMASCUS VICINITY, 9:1-7
DAMASCUS, 9:8-18.
6) CAESAREA, 10:1-8
JOPPA, 10:9-24.
7) ANTIOCH, 11:27-30
PRISON, JER., 12:3-18.
8) ANTIOCH CHURCH, 13:1-3
JERUSALEM COUNCIL, 15
9) TROAS, 16:8-10
CORINTH, 18:9,10.
10) TYRE, 21:4-6 (20:23)
CAESAREA, 21:8-14.
11) TEMPLE, JER., 22:17-21
CASTLE, JER., 23:10, 11.
12) FAIR HAVENS, CRETE, 27:9-
14. MEDITERRANEAN, 27:21-27.
SEEN IN SAMUEL'S LIFE
PRINCIPLE INVOLVED SO AS TO HEAR FROM GOD
LOOKING UP TO THE LORD
(here, both spiritually and literally)
WAITING ON GOD. God can use circumstances (the lot), or
He can use the supernatural.
PRAYING and GOD'S ANSWER. In number 1 He opened
spiritual doors, in no. 2, literal doors. Same way when we
pray.
HONEST SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH. Whether it's a city
(many seekers were there, Jn. 4:40), or one in the desert.
PREDESTINED CIRCUMSTANCES CHOSEN BY GOD TO
DIRECT ONE. Saul had to be knocked down, but Ananias
God just spoke.
KNOWING GOD: BY WHO HE IS. Objectively revealed, as
by an angel. Subjectively revealed, as by vision and His
words.
KNOWING GOD: BY HIS SUPPLY, WHAT HE HAS... 1st,
through the Body to itself, 2nd, by His sovereign intervention.
KNOWING GOD: THROUGH WHAT HE DOES. He sends
forth apostles to raise up churches; He unites gathers them
so as to establish them. (Note, in ch. 15, God's answer came
as they saw what He had done.)
FEAR OF GOD (brings wisdom). At Troas he had just had 3
doors (Acts 16:6,7; 2 Cor. 2:3, 13). Both of these were new
churches so needed wisdom.
TO SUM UP LAST 3: (A) GOD'S NATURE BEING
REVEALED, (B) MEEKNESS (requires submission), (C)
LEARNING THROUGH EXPERIENCE.
WHOLEHEARTED OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S GOALS
AGAINST OPPOSITION. At Tyre they, because of
impressions made by the Spirit, and Caesarea, too, tried to
persuade Paul, through their short range of vision, to stay.
His long range vision kept him.
HOPE IN CHRIST'S GRACE SO AS HE CAN BEHOLD YOU.
Despite great crisis. (I Pet. 3:14, 15; Ps. 33:18; I Jn. 3:3)
MATURED COUNSEL FOR THE PEOPLE IN PROLONGED
CRISIS, shows FAITHFULNESS.
SUM OF THESE 4: THESE ALL SHOW THE REVELATION
OF HIS WISDOM, RIGHTEOUSNESS, SANCTIFICATION,
AND REDEMPTION. I Cor. 1:30 (necessary for His full glory.)
His very name suggests that these principles are found in his life. Hannah (Grace) named him "Heard of
God," Samuel, because he was born in God's grace as a miracle boy.
HIS EXPERIENCES HEARING FROM GOD: THE REASONS BEHIND THEM:
His mother, having brought up to the Lord. “He worshipped the It is obvious that little Samuel was
Lord there” (1:24-28). He “ministered before the Lord”, “Grew looking up to the Lord, acknowledging
before the Lord” (2:18, 21, 26, etc.). Finally he was sleeping in His Lordship.
the temple before the Lord when God called his name 3 times.
(ch. 3:1-9)
At Eli’s suggestion the 4th time he said, “Speak’ for thy servant He was waiting and also silent before the
heareth” for he was waiting now. God shared Eli’s neglect for his Lord. Notice the personal visitation to
sons and also Eli’s punishment for it (3:9-18). “The Lord came, Samuel by the Lord.
and stood, and called”.
As the climax to Israel’s 20 years lament due to the loss of the Crying out in prayer for fresh direction.
Ark, Samuel gathered them together at Mizpah saying, “I will
pray to the Lord for you”, which he did while the Philistines came
to fight; God’s thunder confounded them, (7:1-17).
In contrast to Israel’s not seeking after God’s words, and There was someone making an honest
Samuel’s word to them in ch. 8, God had a young man Saul, search after God’s words and he
with is servant, to seek the prophet out diligently for God’s words received them through Samuel.
for him. Ch. 9:9-21. God had already told Samuel that He would
send the new king at the time, and this was part of God’s word
to Saul.
God already foretold Samuel that the new king was to be special This was obviously predestined
quest of jonor at a special feast prepared and there was his circumstances arranged to teach and
special portion set aside previously. God remembered His Word impart needed lessons into Saul.
and send Saul, 9:22-25.
On sending him away, Samuel anoints him as king, gives him If God expects us to know those who
specific signs concerning his journey which was to end in Gilgal labor among us, the certainly He’d want
(picture of the cross). He is turned into “another man.” As the His workers to know Him. Obviously this
Spirit comes upon him and he joins the despised prophetical is God revealing His great heart, WHO
band. “God is with thee”, 10:1-13 HE IS, to Saul.
Next, the people are gathered for the new king to be set in, but Meekness (humility) on Saul’s part called
he is not to be found. God reveals he has hidden himself by the forth the words of the Lord on Samuel’s
baggage. They bring him out and jubilantly are told that he will part.
be their king. 10:20-25.
On later making him king, he recounts both his own experiences God’s experiences with His people -what
and those of Israel to encourage them, 12:1-17. He does- are His examples.
The 3 times mention is made of “fear of the Lord” are in The fear of the Lord, His wisdom.
Samuel’s ministry, 12:14-25 as he calls thunder down.
Saul’s disobedience receives a sharp word and is in contrast to Obedience was God’s challenge.
Samuel’s obedience killing Agag, 13:14, 15
He anoints David as king, new hope on the horizon. He learns to Hope motivates God’s words here.
look not as man looks but as God sees. Ch. 16.
Later we find faithful Samuel and Saul and the prophets Faithfulness in counsel through rejected
prophesying, and even rebellious Saul melting in their presence. leaders was what God saw He could use
From 1 %Chr. 9:22 we find that there had been a time when the in this situation.
two of them had counseled together regarding Israel’s order of
worship , no doubt here 1 Sam. 19:18-24.