The Universe Is Not ‘Listening’ to You
By Chuck E. Tate
Contemplating the immensity of the universe is staggering, to say the least.
According to astronomers, the observable universe stretches approximately 93 billion light-years in diameter—a scale so vast it’s beyond our comprehension. But as mind-blowing as that is, here’s something even greater: God created it. With a single command, He spoke it all into existence. He said, “Let there be light,” and—bam!—light appeared.
Genesis 1:16-18 (NLT) says, "God made two great lights—the larger one to govern the day, and the smaller one to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set these lights in the sky to light the earth, to govern the day and night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.”
Do you know what isn't good? When somebody cries out to the universe instead of asking God for help. One of my biggest pet peeves is when somebody thanks the universe or implies through some type of odd reference that the universe is listening.
No. Hard no! The universe is not listening to you, at least not like that. The universe doesn't hear you. The universe doesn't see you. The universe doesn't even know you exist. This means no matter how loud you shout, the universe will never respond to you.
Never.
But guess what! The very One who created the universe, the very One who spoke to nothing and created something, the very One who uttered the universe into existence, the very One who hung the stars in the sky—He is watching, He is listening, and He is willing to respond to our cry.
Enter Elijah.
Here Comes the Boom!
In one of the most dramatic moments in Scripture, Elijah challenges 450 prophets of Baal to a divine showdown on Mount Carmel. Each side builds an altar and prepares a sacrifice—but with one rule: no fire. The true God must answer by igniting the offering supernaturally. The prophets of Baal shout, dance, and even cut themselves, desperately trying to get their god to respond—but nothing happens. Silence. Then Elijah steps up, soaks his altar with water, and simply prays. Instantly, fire falls from heaven, consuming the sacrifice, the water, and even the stones. The message is unmistakable: Baal isn’t listening because Baal doesn’t exist—but the God of Israel hears, sees, and responds.
How’s that for God showing up and showing off? There was no doubt who the One True God was. After witnessing such a powerful display, the people fell on their faces and shouted, “The LORD—he is God! Yes, the LORD is God!” (1 Kings 18:39 NLT).
Here’s the truth: This is the same God we serve—and He’s big enough to bring the boom and deliver your breakthrough.
Counterfeit Power vs. Real Power
It’s crucial to remember that the power of the Holy Spirit—the same power that raised Christ from the dead—not only lives in us but surpasses every other power. As 1 John 4:4 says, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (NKJV).
So no, you don’t need to trust in crystal healing or palm readings. You don’t need to put your hope in horoscopes or how the stars are aligned.
The power available to us through prayer, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the intercession of Jesus Christ is unmatched. We have direct access to the Creator of the universe. That’s real breakthrough power—not a fleeting or mystical force, but one proven time and again throughout history and in our own lives.
We carry the assurance of resurrection power—the same power that raised Jesus—alive in us! And with Christ at the right hand of the Father advocating for us, we have every reason to live with bold confidence and hope—the same confidence and hope Elijah had.
Good Vibes, Positive Thoughts, and Prayers, Oh My!
I’m all for “good vibes only” when it comes to keeping a positive attitude—but not when it comes to comparing them with prayer. Scroll through any social media feed and you’ll see posts like, “This just happened. Please send prayers, positive thoughts, or good vibes.”
Here’s the truth: You can’t send a positive thought or a good vibe. You can have positive thoughts—and you should. That’s healthy. You can radiate good vibes, which is far better than giving off bad ones. But when it comes to real needs and real breakthrough, positive thoughts and good vibes might lift your mood—but they won’t change your circumstances. Prayer will.
So let's focus our hearts and minds on this profound truth: In Christ, we have more than a temporary solution, feel-good philosophy, or counterfeit power. We have the real thing—the unshakeable and enduring true power of God that produces breakthrough and freedom. The universe isn't listening, but God is.
Chuck Tate is a passionate pastor, award-winning author (41 Will Come), and host of Revival Town Podcast. This article features a portion of his new book, ‘Nine Words From Jesus—A Manifesto of Hope to Thrive in the Present and Prevail in the Future.’