We can break down the way we process information from God into three categories:
1. Input: what you sense, see, hear, experience
2. Interpretation: what it means
3. Application: what you do
INPUT can be a new experience, new information, a teaching, a news article, a conversation with a friend.
What do we do with input? We INTERPRET it. As humans we are wired to create meaning, to explain, to make sense of things. This is the "make it or break it" place in our thinking and it all depends on our filter. That’s worth repeating.
Everything comes down to how we interpret and the way we filter our thoughts. For instance, if I have a filter of pain and disappointment, I will interpret everything through that. I may conclude I’m a victim or that people can’t be trusted. If I have a filter that says, "God’s not really present" I will dismiss God’s voice (and His love) over and over again.
APPLICATION is how we choose to act. Action always comes out of interpretation, so it’s crucial to check our interpretations.
We are constantly navigating the waters of these three categories.
When you listen to God you will receive INPUT. You will sense, see, hear. Stay in the conversation with God all the way through and check your INTERPRETATION. Does it line up with who we know God to be?
Ask: Jesus, do I have a filter in my thinking that affects the way I interpret what I hear from you? Am I stuck in my thinking?
He may bring to mind a memory. You may get pictures or words or sudden fresh insight. When you ask for heavenly perspective, you will likely get free of a filter that has kept you stuck. You will be able to think differently and then ACT differently.
With joy,
Cayce