Seeking YHWH for Direction: Abraham’s First Talk with God

The Feast of Yom Teruah (the Day of Soundings) is upon us. Yom Teruah is one of YHWH’s (the Lord’s) set-apart days. Many believers, including myself, observe it on the 1^st day of the 7^th month on the Hebrew calendar.

You can learn about Yom Teruah from Leviticus 23:24-25 and Numbers 29:1-6. The extra-biblical Book of Jubilees gives us insight into the earliest known observance of Yom Teruah.

Abraham’s first talk with Elohim (God) took place on the 1^st day of the 7^th month, Yom Teruah.

Abraham’s Prayer

Abraham left his homeland, Ur of the Chaldees, and settled in the land of Haran. After 9 years in Haran, he debated whether he should stay or return to his homeland. Abraham submitted his question to YHWH.

Jubilees 12:21 “And he said, ‘Will I return to Ur of the Chaldees who seek my face that I may return to them, or am I to remain here in this place? The right path before You—prosper it in the hands of Your servant that he may fulfill it and that I may not walk in the deceitfulness of my heart, O my God.’” (LSV)

That night, YHWH spoke to Abraham. It was the first time Abraham heard YHWH’s voice directly.

YHWH’s Calls Abraham

Jubilees 12:22 “And he [Abraham] made an end of speaking and praying, and behold, the word of the LORD was sent to him through me, saying, ‘Go forth from your country, and from your relatives, and from the house of your father to a land which I will show you, and I will make you a great and numerous nation.’”

Abraham had two choices: return to Ur or stay in Haran. YHWH’s answer was neither. Instead, He called Abraham to sojourn in the land of Canaan.

We can all relate to Abraham. We make decisions all the time. Sometimes we think we know what we’re choosing. Sometimes YHWH has other plans.

I’ve learned to submit my choices to Elohim and ask Him which I should pursue. I’ve started using Abraham’s prayer as an outline when I’m seeking direction.

Set the right way before me so I do not walk in the deceitfulness of my heart.

This is the essence of Yahushua’s prayer, “Not My will but Yours be done.”

Studying in the Winter

Abraham was eager to respond to YHWH’s call to go to Canaan; however, the winter was approaching. In that region, the winters were very rainy and not good for traveling. So Abraham didn’t move immediately. He studied.

Abraham began studying manuscripts that his forefathers had given him. Previously, the books had been a mystery to Abraham, but that winter, YHWH gave him understanding. Abraham learned who YHWH was and what His commands were.

When spring arrived, Abraham was ready–physically and spiritually–to set out in faith for the land of Canaan.

My Story: Moving to the Middle East

In some small ways, I see parallels to Abraham’s story in my life.

Some of my readers may not know that my family was called to move to the Middle East when I was 14. Although we were eager to respond to YHWH’s leading, we studied the Scriptures to know if this move was truly YHWH’s will.

We put our house on the market and waited. Interestingly, our “wait and study period” overlapped with the fall and winter. Studying the Scriptures assured us of our calling. When the spring came and our house sold, my family was ready to move.

Personal Reflection

Are you seeking YHWH’s will? Do you need Him to guide you in a decision? From the life of Abraham, we see that Yom Teruah is a good day to submit big decisions to Him.

While our attention may be on a particular outcome, YHWH may have something different in mind. Ask Him your questions. Wait for His answer. And remember Abraham’s prayer.

Blessings in Messiah!

Sarah

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