Imagine being in a relationship where communication is one-way or non-existent. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many believers in their relationship with Jesus Christ. As a new Christian, my first question was, “How do I hear God’s voice?” The idea seemed hard to grasp, but over time, I began to recognize and hear God’s voice.
Just as we need to hear from those we’re in a natural relationship with, God desires to share His heart with us. He wants to show us how He sees and feels about us, give direction, comfort, and even just say hello!
Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. Here are a few tips to help you hear God’s voice too (in no particular order)!
1. Reading His Word
Regularly reading the Bible is an essential practice for any believer seeking to hear God’s voice. The Bible is the living word of God, and it is through its pages that we gain a deep understanding of who He is and His plans for our lives. As we immerse ourselves in His word, we become more attuned to His voice and are better able to discern His leading in our lives.
In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” By reading and studying the Bible, we come to know Jesus and His voice more intimately. We learn to recognize His voice amidst the noise of the world and the chaos of our lives. As we study His word, we are transformed by the renewing of our minds and are better equipped to follow His leading in every area of our lives.
Make it a habit to spend time in God’s word every day. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you read, and to open your heart and mind to receive His truth. As you seek to know Him through His word, you will find that He is faithful to speak to you and to lead you in the paths of righteousness.
2. Be Still and Know
In today’s busy and noisy world, it can be difficult to find moments of peace and quiet. But taking the time to be still and know God is crucial for spiritual growth and hearing His voice. As Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This verse encourages us to slow down, quiet our minds, and recognize the presence of God. It’s in the stillness that we can truly hear His voice and gain a deeper understanding of His love and will for our lives.
When we intentionally get alone with God, we create a sacred space where we can connect with Him on a deeper level. We can share our hearts, hopes, and fears with Him, and listen for His response. Taking at least 20 minutes to be still and focus on God is half the battle. It’s a simple but powerful way to prioritize our relationship with Him and make time for His voice to be heard in our lives.
In this stillness, we can also experience the peace that surpasses all understanding. In a world full of chaos and uncertainty, the peace of God is a precious gift that can sustain us through any circumstance. So, make it a priority to be still and know God. Find a quiet space, set aside the distractions, and let His love and peace fill your heart and mind.
3. Get a Journal or Notebook
Journaling is an essential tool for any believer who wants to hear from God. By investing in a journal or notebook, you can keep a record of your conversations with Him. Whether you prefer to write down your thoughts, dreams, or prayers, journaling provides a way to capture the insights and revelations that God gives you.
One of the best things about journaling is that it allows you to go back and read what God shared with you at a later time. Often, you may forget a word or insight that God gave you during a particularly meaningful moment. But with a journal, you can revisit those conversations and find encouragement in what God has spoken to you in the past.
You might even discover that God has been speaking to you more than you realized. As you journal your thoughts and prayers, you may start to see patterns emerge or themes develop. You might find that God has been speaking to you through different people, experiences, or even in your dreams. By documenting these conversations, you can begin to see how God is working in your life and gain a deeper understanding of His will for you.
Investing in a journal is one of the best things you can do to deepen your relationship with God and hear from Him more clearly. It provides a space for you to pour out your heart and listen for His voice. So why not start journaling today and see what amazing things God has in store for you!
4. Create a Sacred Space
Creating a sacred space is important for your spiritual growth and development. It provides a physical and emotional space where you can feel safe and connect with God. This space should be a place where you can focus on Him, free from distractions and interruptions. It can be any place in your home where you feel comfortable, such as a corner in your room or a cozy chair by the window.
Decorate this space with inspiring pictures, a prayer wall, your life verse, or anything else that inspires you. Consider adding candles or essential oils to enhance the ambiance and create a peaceful atmosphere. Use this sacred space to read your Bible, pray, meditate, or simply sit in silence and listen to God’s voice.
Creating a sacred space is a deliberate action that shows your commitment to building a closer relationship with God. It’s a space where you can come to God just as you are and find peace, comfort, and strength to face the challenges of life. So, take some time to create your own sacred space, and see how it can transform your relationship with God.
5. Position Your Heart
Positioning your heart with gratitude and thanksgiving is an important step in hearing from God. Gratitude helps us to shift our focus from what we lack to what we have. When we come to God with a heart full of thanksgiving, it opens up a pathway to His heart. This act of humility also demonstrates our reverence and honor towards Him. As you speak out loud or sing your gratitude, you’ll begin to sense His presence and the Holy Spirit will lead you into deeper communication with Him. So, remember to approach Him with a heart full of thanksgiving and experience the joy of His presence.
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” -Psalm 100:4
6. Listen In
When we’re in conversation with someone, we typically spend more time talking than listening. However, when we want to hear from God, we have to learn to quiet our own voices and listen. We have to make space for Him to speak, and be open to receiving what He has to say. Often, God’s voice comes as spontaneous thoughts or a sudden impression. It can be easy to brush these off as our own thoughts, but if we take the time to listen and discern, we may discover that it is actually God speaking to us. It’s important to stay open and receptive to His voice, and to take the time to truly listen to what He has to say.
7. Watch and See
The prophet Habakkuk said, “I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint” (Habakkuk 2:1). This means we need to position ourselves to hear from God and actively seek His voice. We should pay attention to what He shows us and take time to write it down, even if it doesn’t make sense at the time. God often speaks in impressions, images, and visions, so it’s important to watch and see what He will show us. By writing down what we see, we create a record of what God is revealing to us, and it can help us to better understand and act on His message.
Remember, God desires to speak to each of us in a personal way. As we make ourselves available and position our hearts to hear His voice, we can grow in our relationship with Him and experience the peace, guidance, and joy that come from being in tune with His will.
8. Seek Wise Counsel
In Proverbs 15:22 it says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Seek out trusted friends or mentors who can help you process what you believe you’re hearing from God. They can provide guidance, offer wise counsel, and ask you the tough questions that can help you discern what God is truly saying. Sometimes we can be so close to a situation that our own biases and desires can cloud our judgment, so having a sounding board can be incredibly helpful in hearing God’s voice more clearly. Be sure to seek counsel from those who also have a relationship with God and are familiar with His Word.
9. Be patient
Learning to hear God’s voice is a journey and it takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear from Him right away, or if you make mistakes. Keep seeking Him and keep practicing, and you will become more attuned to His voice over time. Remember that God is faithful and He will speak to you when the time is right.
As you apply these tips, you will be better equipped to hear God’s voice and build a deeper connection with Him. Remember that when you take the time to listen and record what you hear, you are showing honor and respect to His voice. Hearing God’s voice is essential for success in your life, and staying in open communication with Him is a way to receive the plans and guidance He has for you.
Do you have any questions or tips on how to hear God’s voice? Share in the comments below.
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