It’s a common question. I get asked quite often, something to the effect of, “How do I hear the voice of God?”
It’s a common question without an easy answer. I believe God speaks to his people. I think scripture makes this obvious in so many places. God spoke in the days of the Old Testament and the New Testament. Since God doesn’t change, I believe he still speaks to his people.
Over the years, I’ve come up with a few responses to this question. While I can’t clearly describe how he speaks, I do think there are some answers to be found.
For one, God speaks to us PERSONALLY.
If you have multiple children, I’m betting you don’t say the same things to them all or parent them in the exact same way. You probably speak to them differently too… especially in times where they’re struggling or hurt. God does the same thing. He knows our language and speaks to us in a way that we can understand. It’s sweet if you think about it… he’s that personal with us.
God also speaks to us INTERNALLY.
When God speaks to me, it’s not an audible voice. I don’t doubt that God can still speak in an audible voice if he wants, he just hasn’t chosen that method with me. Instead, it’s usually a thought. Not just any thought, but a thought that just “feels” different than my own. It’s a thought and also a knowledge all at the same time. In the course of my dialogue with him, something comes to my mind that is peaceful yet sure. It’s like I’ve known it forever but also just grabbed it for the first time.
God speaks REPEATEDLY.
God’s personal word (rhema word) to us will never contradict his written word. He doesn’t change, so he won’t contradict the principles and truth he’s told us in scripture. What he speaks to us is a specific application of the scripture, but is never a contradiction. Also, along these lines, God will speak to you multiple times. I hear from so many people that are afraid they’ve “missed it” when it came to God speaking to them about something. Let me assure you, he’s God, he can repeat himself. Now, there is certainly something to be said about our hearts if we just choose to ignore him, but if we’re seeking him, he’ll be patient and repeat himself.
Let me assure you, God isn’t hiding. He’s not waiting for you to decode his words. He’s speaking. The best way to learn his voice is through conversation with him and reading the Word we already have. Like we learn anyone’s voice, speaking with him and seeking to hear him is the only way to learn what he’s saying. He speaks through scripture, dreams, visions, thoughts, and others all the time. The question is, are we willing to build the kind of relationship with him to listen?
Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
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