Often times in ministry, we see a person gain significant ability to hear and understand the Holy Spirit as they receive more and deeper ministry. As there is more freedom, and we learn the depth of his personality more and more, we build what I call a “context” for his voice. It becomes easier to discern his voice from our own, and also easier to discern our own emotions in any given situation. We move into greater understanding of God and of ourselves.
A key part of this process seems to be the building of an “emotional vocabulary.” Often, when we start receiving ministry, we can only discern very simple responses to our questions. Things like, “yes/no,” “I love you,” “I am with you,” “You were not alone,” etc. But as we receive more ministry, the responses seem to contain more depth, understanding, and revelation. Within a short period of time, we can often have full conversations with the Lord and he is able to impart great wisdom to us. I believe this is a pivotal part of the process of becoming his friend as opposed to living as his servant (see John 15:15).
So, what’s going on, here? I believe that one of the things that God wants to do as he builds a relationship with us is to impart an “emotional vocabulary” so that we can move into this greater revelation and understanding with him. By doing this, our relationship grows deeper, more intimate, and communication and communion become much, much richer. We move from hearing simple phrases that heal our emotional wounds into a complete conversational lifestyle that guides and defines our existence.
This lifestyle leads to the fullfillment of one of the greatest commands in the new testament, "16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thes 5:16-18).
Through this “emotional vocabulary,” we are able to live in joy (vs16), pray and commune with him in all things at all times (vs17), and take our cares to him so that he can build our faith, that we will give thanks to him in all circumstances (vs18). He initiates each of these responses in us through his word spoken in our heart.
By living in the fresh revelation of his spoken word (and also combining that with the amazing revelation of his written word), our hearts are expanded as we move from glory to glory.
-Shawn