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Can We Hear God's Voice?
The answer to that question may be as varied as we are from each other. I also think there is a good reason why that may be the case; God knows each of us and how to speak to each of us in a manner we can understand. My suggestions here are just that: suggestions that I believe would put us in the best position to hear and understand the voice of God.
I have to preface my comments with this passage of Scripture: John 10:14. Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep, and my sheep know me," which is the very place we want and need to begin. Do you know your God? I am convinced that God knows us, but do we know our God? It seems like a simple question, but it is poignant to our discussion today, for I have seen hundreds of people standing in line for a prophetic word from the Lord, all waiting to hear what God would say.
It seems clear God wants a relationship with us. We find these words in John 10:27, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." God would speak to us directly; no line necessary if we would draw close and listen. We would find the answers we seek if we would rely on our shepherd to watch over, care for, and direct us to safety. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
For that to happen, we have to be willing to spend time with God in seeking. There is no quick way to do that, but we can be assured that if we draw near to God, God will draw near to us, something I believe is necessary if we want to hear from God (James 4:8). That passage goes on to say wash your hands you sinners and purify your hearts you double-minded. That passage gives us some real direction as believers!
If we want to hear from God, let's consider where we place our faith: in ourselves or the word of God. Almost everyone I ask that question will answer that their faith is in God. If you also feel that way, then I implore you to test yourself against the word of God to see if there are areas where the Holy Spirit convicts you. If there are, wash your hands by repenting of that area and give it to God. I understand this struggle well and want to share how I deal with it.
I begin by asking the Holy Spirit to show me ways my walk does not match my talk. I love God, but do I love my brothers and sisters? I say I love them, but is there evidence of that love in my heart as I pray for them or their burdens? Do I speak of them in loving ways? Are my thoughts and prayers for God's best for their lives, or am I holding on to some hurtful or unkind act that may have occurred? Is my focus God as I worship or others and what they are doing? Am I a peacemaker or a troublemaker?
Knowing who we are in Christ Jesus, understanding his direction, and following his direction are among the first steps to hearing God's voice. How can we hear from someone we do not know? Scripture reminds us that our shepherd knows us and our likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses. What is most striking is that we are known and still very loved!
I suggest skipping the line and picking up the bread of life daily to get to know our God. I also have a few other suggestions, and I invite you to examine them and let me know how they work in your life as you move forward with Christ.
Be blessed, but most importantly, be a blessing.
7 Steps to Hearing God
First, commit your way and your decision to God. Romans 12:2 reminds us of a way to test for God’s will: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Second, make the issue or decision a matter of regular prayer. Jesus taught us to be persistent in prayer (consider Luke 18:1-8). Ask God to guide you and provide the revelation needed in this matter.
Third, Look to the Bible to see if it offers guidance about your problem or situation. Consider 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Fourth, remember God is at work. God isn’t only working in us; He also is working around us. Often, God guides us through our circumstances. Many today enjoy the song Waymaker, which reminds me of what Scripture says about our God:
- Our God is a Waymaker, which is affirmed in Isaiah 43:15-16.
- Matthew 4:23 reminds us that Jesus is a miracle worker.
- He is a promise keeper Psalm 145:13-14;
- and light in the darkness John 1:9; that is who our God is!
Fifth, seek godly advice. Remember Psalm 1:1: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers;” people who delight, in but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither--whatever they do prospers.
Sixth, trust the Holy Spirit’s guidance. When we honestly seek His will, God often gives us an inner conviction or prompting to confirm which way He wants us to go. The Bible says, “Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear the voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).
Finally, trust God for the outcome. Once God leads you to make a decision, don’t draw back. Instead, trust God’s leading and believe that God goes before you – because God does. Scripture reminds us in (Proverbs 3:5-6) to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”
Note: This is not an exhaustive list, but ways I have found helpful in my service and my walk with the Lord.
