Hearing God’s Voice
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7:24
Some people have told me they cannot have a relationship with someone they cannot see or hear; yet the Lord desires a close relationship with us. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9) The Lord definitely wants us to know him and we cannot know him unless we listen to him. So how can we listen to the Lord if we cannot hear his voice audibly?
Our communications to the Lord is conveyed by our thoughts, carried through the Holy Spirit. We communicate to the Lord through our thoughts, and we learn to distinguish the Lord’s thoughts from our thoughts. The more we learn the language of God the more we will recognize him speaking to us. If we can be still and quiet inside and focus our thoughts, then we are better able to hear his voice. Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
We learn God’s language by reading the Word. The more we read the Word and the more we obey his Word, the more we will hear his voice. The Word is alive; it is Spiritually discerned and the Spirit only speaks what he hears. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:11) But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:13) The Lord speaks to us through the Spirit especially when we read his Word. When you read the Word talk to the Lord, ask for understanding, and listen for his answer in your thoughts.
The more we commune with the Lord, the more we can recognize his voice, especially when we ask for guidance in ministering to others. I have found that when I am teaching a class or ministering someone, and I ask the Lord for his words; I hear his answer. When we invite the Lord into our situation and commune with him for guidance, he will speak and we will hear. Thoughts may enter your mind, different from your own thoughts.
We can also hear the Lord speak to us through others, especially through other Christians. When a group of Christians are in a Bible study, we can hear the Lord speak as the Holy Spirits guides the discussion.
If we schedule alone time with the Lord, just you and the Lord with no interruptions, then we are better able to listen to the Lord. Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:8) Alone time is seeking to be closer to the Lord with no other desire in our heart. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)
If we desire to listen to the Lord, we will learn to focus our thoughts and to be still inside. The more we know the Word, commune with the Lord, and invite him into our life, the more we can hear the Lord. In summary, the more motivated we are to hear the Lord, the more we will hear.
Today, take moments to be still inside and seek to hear the Lord speak to you. Ask for the Lord’s advice, for his words. Every detail of your life is important to the Lord and he is with you every second of the day desiring to give you his wisdom and power. Seek the Lord today and show his love and wisdom.
Prayer: Lord, help me to listen to you today and to hear your voice. Train me to be still inside, to remain connected to you, and to quickly focus on your divine Word. Thank you for your love and desire to be with me and guide me through every situation in life. Help me to hear your voice so I can walk in step with the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen