Is What I’m Hearing the Voice of God?
Some would say it’s a bold idea, others would whisper that ‘hearing the voice of God’ is at best presumptuous and at worst dangerous. Does God speak to, lead and guide ordinary people today? Many sincere followers of Christ find themselves in a quandary over this question. And the confusion we feel may seriously hinder the closeness of the relationship we enjoy with God.
There have been times in my life when I felt I was clearly and audibly hearing the voice of God. Other times it’s gentle whispers or silence – I don’t hear His voice at all.
Does the silence mean He’s not present or too busy for me? No. His word faithfully proclaims He will NEVER leave me nor forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5) I am never alone, not even in the darkest of hours.
If I don’t hear God’s voice, can I still trust Him? A resounding YES! King David exemplified trust in his relationship with the Lord regardless of whether or not he “felt” his presence. (Psalm 42:8,9,11)
Those dark times of not hearing His voice are necessary for my growth. The cold barrenness of winter allows for a time of pruning and trimming the unfruitful branches of my life. This makes my fruitful branches produce more fruit in later seasons.
A period of darkness is necessary for our bodies to rejuvenate every 24 hours. Periods of darkness in our spiritual life also have the promise of renewal. (1 John 3:2,3)
Sometimes I can’t hear God’s voice because, well, to be perfectly honest, He’s not saying what I want to hear! That’s when I need to pull back, examine my life and see if there is sin interfering in my ability to hear from God. (Psalm 46:10; Psalm 139:23,24)
How can I hear from God? How can I know what I’m hearing is from God? Time spent in the Word will always be profitable.
“The Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
His Word is alive and active. He desires a relationship with me through His Word and through the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. His Word will help me to discern whether or not what I’m hearing is from Him or not. He will never “speak to me” words that are contrary to His written Word.
Ask yourself if you’re too busy to hear His voice. Is there too much noise in your life to hear Him? If you have children, (a big source of noise) of course you can’t remove them from your life, you wouldn’t want to, (well okay, maybe for a day) but what about other exterior noises (electronics). What can you unplug? What can you do without so you have time for Him? Then, press in close and listen for His voice. He’s calling out your name.
Yes, God still speaks, and yes, we can hear His voice!!
Our God is the exact same God who led the Israelites out of Egypt….He spoke then and He speaks now!!
He is waiting to hear from us…and sometimes we need to quiet ourselves to hear Him…
For myself, I find God’s voice in nature, music, sometimes just a feeling that can fill my very being….a thought being pressed upon my heart and mind.
In these times of being overly busy, schedules to meet, family to tend to, and so many other distractions, we need to set aside time for God. And He is present all around us in His creation. The sunrise and sunset, the flowers blooming, the breeze in the air and so much more…These things are God speaking to me.
Thanks for the great post, Marsha!!
Beth
Sorry–my comment did not publish first time around, and now it is here twice!!
I totally agree with Beth. Out God does not change! Sometimes we may not hear from Him or feel His presence because He’s testing what we will do in a certain situation. However, like the last paragraph summarizes we have to eliminate all noise and distractions for a time each day, so that we can talk to Him and hear from Him. He may not say anything each time, but He love spending time with us. We are His kids, and what good dad doesn’t want to spend time with his kids???
tiannamae.blogspot.com
Yes, we can hear, listen and surrender to Him! Blessings!
My biggest trouble isn’t God speaking but my obedience. I heard a great sermon one time on how when God is silent it could be we are taking the “test” to see if we will obey what He has already taught us.
Have a great day!
Marsha… as you know I’ve been through my own wintering season–a time of extreme isolation and quietness before the Lord. I would say it’s been one of the richest seasons of “hearing” from the Lord I’ve even known. For that one reason alone, I can raise a toast to winter and welcome it when is cycles back around again.
Great teaching today!
peace~elaine
You are right Marsha that we need to unplug the noisy world sometimes to spend time with Him and hear Him speak to us through His word.