Hearing the Voice of God
Have you ever prayed and asked God for some wisdom and direction in your life, and then waited to hear an answer? I certainly have. As a Christian, and particularly as a pastor, I have counseled hundreds of people over the years, and one of the most common questions I’ve been asked is, “How do I hear God’s voice, and what does it sound like?” Well, let’s take a look at what the Word tells us about the voice of God.
In the Bible, we read that God’s voice is “big” and loud! In Psalms 29 we read, “The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: The God of glory thunders, the LORD is over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful, the voice of the LORD is majestic. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; Yes, the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.” Ps 29:3-5
Here are a few other scriptures that refer to God’s voice being “big.”
“To Him who rides upon the highest heavens, which are from ancient times; Behold, He speaks forth with His voice, a mighty voice.” Ps 68:33
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet…” Rev. 1:10
“His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters.” Rev. 1:15
God’s voice is big! His voice thunders! So why do we not hear Him? Why isn’t He yelling His thunderous voice at us to answer us when we ask Him questions? As born again believers, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. That means He lives in us, so the voice of God lives within us. (1 Cor 6:19) We have access to the wisdom of God at all times. James 1:5 tells us, “…if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
When we pray and ask God for wisdom or some type of understanding, and we are waiting to hear an answer from Him in our spirit, here are some tips:
1.
Expect to hear an answer. If you don’t hear the voice of God immediately with an answer when you pray, don’t be discouraged. God WILL speak to you. Expect that. He delights in a relationship with His children! 1 Jn 5:15
2.
Test everything with God’s Word. “But examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good…” 1 Thes 5:21. Does it agree with the word of God? If what you are hearing does
not line up with the Word of God, you can be pretty sure it’s not the Holy Spirit speaking. He will always agree with the Word.
3.
Restrict other voices that try to speak into your life. This should go without saying, but it is more common in the Body of Christ than most people realize – stay far away from looking for guidance outside of the Kingdom of Light, ie. psychics, spiritists, horoscopes, tarot cards, astrology, fortune tellers, palm readings, Ouija boards, and séances all fall under the occult, and it’s not harmless fun. These are specifically listed as sin in God’s Word. “Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.” Lev 19:31 Get your wisdom and guidance from The Source: any other spiritual source is spiritual adultery. Remember, God is pleased to give His children wisdom. (James 1:5)
4.
Watch what fills your eyes and ears, because that will fill your mind, which is where your thoughts originate. “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Phil 4:8
5.
Be quiet and listen! It’s hard to hear someone when you are always talking, and it’s hard to hear the Spirit of God when you are always occupied with other thoughts, or when you are always doing the talking.
How will God speak to us? Good question! Here are some of the most common ways that God will speak to His people:
1.
His Word – Sometimes God will specifically reveal a passage to you that brings you a rhema, or revelation word just for you individually, to you and it is direct communication. We know that Jesus is the Word that became flesh, and God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. He will speak to you as you open His Word and ask Him for the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Open up your Bible and read it! Ps 119:105, Eph 1:17
2.
Still small voice – As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, spending time with Him in His Word and in His Presence in prayer, we will “hear” the Holy Spirit guiding us. We see examples of this throughout the book of Acts with the believers in the early church, Philip, Peter, and the Apostle Paul.
3.
Prophetic utterance – Someone delivering a Word, either to humanity at large, to a nation or people group, or to an individual as a channel of the Holy Spirit and used as a mouthpiece speaks prophetically for the Lord. (2 Pet 1:19-21)
4.
Supernatural visitations, dreams, visions, audible voice, angelic visitation, etc. These are all ways for the Lord to give guidance and wisdom to His People. While these experiences may not be as common as the others listed, they are still valid methods for God to get His message to us. We see examples of all of these throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and even today there are testimonies of supernatural visitations and dreams and visions happening all over the globe.
God is speaking, He has promised to speak, and we just need to learn how to hear. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27. We are listening, Lord!