Yet Man Does Not Perceive It
Job 33:14 Elihu lets Job know that God communicates with humanity in multiple ways, yet people often fail to recognize His messages or perceive His guidance.
10/8/20262 min read
For God may speak in one way, or in another, yet man does not perceive it. Job 33:14 (NKJV)
In addressing Job's complaints about divine justice, Elihu explains that God reaches out in multiple ways to guide, correct, or instruct people, even if they do not immediately notice it. The repetition of “one way, or in another” underscores God’s patience and willingness to communicate multiple times to awaken understanding. Elihu is suggesting that maybe God has already tried to communicate with Job, but he is so caught in his lamenting that he is not hearing what God is saying. Job needs to stop and take the time and listen to what God is trying to say to him.
Just like in the book of Job, God still communicates with us today, talking to us in multiple ways, yet we do not always hear or respond to Him. He talks to us through scripture, prayer, prophets and other believers, dreams and visions, nature, the Holy Spirit, and through Jesus. But our hearts are not open to hear Him because of distractions in our lives such as unresolved sin, doubt, anxiety, unhealthy relationships, busyness, doubt, and pride. Jesus says in Matthew 11:15 and other passages, “Whoever has ears, let them hear,” emphasizing that not everyone is spiritually receptive, but those who are should carefully consider His words. Hebrews 3:15 says, “As has just been said: ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.’” Once you hear God's voice, you need to act on it because ignoring God’s call can lead to the same spiritual hardening as Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness.
Choose to have the ears to hear God and the heart to act on His words. Start with a humble, open heart, putting away your pride and self-reliance so you can make space to hear His voice. Find a quiet, distraction free space each morning where you can be still and focus on what God is saying to you. Be willing to get up an hour earlier if needed to have quiet time and do not bring your phone with you. Use a physical bible and refrain from using your phone as a bible because it has too many apps and can cause distraction. Have a “soft conscience” that is sensitive to conviction and guidance, and when God speaks, respond quickly. In your prayers invite the Holy Spirit in to guide you and for you to hear His words. God talks to you all the time, and all you need is an ear and a heart to perceive it.