Three Things that Help You Hear God’s Voice
How do you know if God is speaking to you or if it is just your thoughts? You have found yourself looking for direction and asking God to give you a sign. However, you are still uncertain about whether the voice in your head is God speaking to you or your thoughts.
In this post, I will share with you three things that will help you hear God’s voice. These three things will help you discern whether it is God speaking to you or if it is your voice.
A few days ago, I read the opening verses of 1 Samuel 3, where God speaks to Samuel three different times. Samuel was a young boy at this time, and one night he heard a voice call his name three different times. At first, Samuel thought it was the priest Eli calling his name. So, Samuel went to him each time he heard his name. After the third time of Samuel coming to him, Eli told Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:9- “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Once Samuel did this, God began to speak to him and reveal His plans for Israel's future.
What about our lives? How do we know if God is speaking to us or if it is just our thoughts? Here are three things that will help you hear God’s voice.
Prayer
Prayer is a way of communicating with God. When you need guidance on a decision, communicate with God and express your need for wisdom. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. God promises you that if you pray for wisdom, He will give it to you. That wisdom may come from a word from a friend, a sermon point, or an article. Begin hearing God’s voice by being in prayer.
The Bible
To hear God’s voice, we must belong to Jesus. Jesus says in John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. We hear God’s voice when we read His Word. The more you read the Bible, the more you will be able to hear God’s voice clearly. Reading the Bible and applying its teaching is the primary way you can hear God’s voice.
People
Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Godly people in your life can help you see things more clearly. Godly people in your life help you do things that align with God’s Word. Don’t neglect having wise people in your life, as they will help you see things clearly and align your decisions with the Bible.
If you find yourself having to make a tough decision or wanting to hear God’s voice more clearly, do not neglect looking to the Bible, as it is God’s voice to us. God may not speak to you audibly like He did with Samuel. But, through a combination of reading God’s Word, praying, and listening to wise counsel, you will be able to hear God’s voice clearly.