Walking with the Lord in a life of love and obedience involves listening for Him to speak. But in these days of always-on lifestyles saturated with social media, entertaining distractions, and the normal busyness of friends and family and jobs, it’s easy to miss that still, small voice. It may even become easy to miss a loud interruption. As difficult as it can be sometimes, we need to remain receptive, but it’s important to realize this may involve more than listening. Moses’ encounter with the burning bush illustrates this.

And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Exodus 3:3–4 (ESV)

One thing that jumps out in this passage was the the way the Lord seemed to be waiting for Moses to deliberately notice the burning bush, and then addressed him only after he did. Notice that the passage says “When the LORD saw…”, as if He was waiting to see how Moses would react before acting Himself.

Perhaps God is always at work (John 5:17), but waiting for us to notice. Then, after we notice and approach, He calls out to us.

The danger is that we may go through the day without a spiritual perspective, and miss burning bushes all around us. Then God may not call to us, and will perhaps find another way to accomplish His work (Esther 4:14). We have to work to remain spiritually sensitive, especially in today’s always-on world, but that may be what God desires before He speaks to us.

In your daily walk, try seeing things through God’s eyes, and watch for burning bushes. Look for His actions in the lives of the people you encounter, and pray as the Spirit leads. Praise Him for the beauty you see, and raise up the ugly for His hand to address. You may find the world looks completely different and, who knows, perhaps you’ll hear God call out.

Heavenly Father, grant me open eyes and a soft heart for the things of the Spirit throughout the day. Despite the busyness all around, keep spiritual distractions from me, and help me to see with Your eyes.