I host a live, call-in radio program. Recently we explored the tricky topic of hearing God’s voice. “Does God speak personally to people?” I asked listeners. “If so, how? And how can we be sure it’s His voice we’re hearing and not our own thoughts?” Maryanne was my first caller.
“Fifteen years ago I heard God speak to me— audibly,” she said. “I was in the New Age movement, was desperately lonely, and one day called out to God for help.”
“What words did you hear this voice say?” I asked. “He told me to visit a particular church,” she replied; “the last church I’d have thought of visiting.” Maryanne described how she obeyed that voice, visited the church, was introduced to the Bible, and became a Christian.
We can be skeptical of such stories, but doesn’t Maryanne’s experience ring true to God’s character?
Isaiah addressed the Israelites during a time of calamity. They had abandoned God and were now reaping the consequences. Yet God still longed to love them (Isaiah 30:18). “He will be gracious if you ask for help,” Isaiah said (v.19). At their earnest cry, the responsive God would speak, His voice guiding them to His side (v.21). As a result, they would reject the idols and spiritualities that had led them astray (v.22). Isn’t this Maryanne’s story?
God’s voice may be heard as thunder (John 12:29), as a thought (Acts 20:22), and even as a human voice (1 Kings 19:12; 1 Samuel 3:4). “I think God primarily speaks to us through the Bible,” Maryanne went on to say. “But I will never forget that experience.”
As we study the Bible and listen to God (Hebrews 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:16), let’s be ready for His voice today—that strong, authoritative, fatherly voice.
More:
• John 10:3
• 2 Peter 1:19-21
Next:
When was the last time you “heard” the voice of God? How do you think we can discern between His voice and our own thoughts and desires?
mysavinggrace on August 29, 2010 at 6:10 am
God speaks to me in very tiny, very trivial situations. And it’s a constant reminder that He cares about every single tiny thing that bugs me.
I know this might sound hilarious and strange, but the first time I realized that God speaks to me is when I was confronted by a roach. HAHA. Anyway, I was going to reach out for my toothbrush when I found that a roach was very near it. I panicked. I even contemplating not brushing my teeth! I stood there a few minutes, and tried a few times trying to reach out… but I still was scared.
Then all of a sudden, in my panic and anxiety, I heard a soft, deep voice saying “Trust ME”. I knew it was the Lord instantly. I cooled down and told Him “Ok Lord, if you say so..”
When I reached out for the toothbrush, my hand did not touch the roach at all and it didn’t move an inch (to my relief and delight!). I walked away from that incident, thanking God and knowing that He cares for the little things too… MY little things 🙂 And I believe He speaks to each and every one of us..
Thank You Jesus! I love You!
mysavinggrace on August 29, 2010 at 6:12 am
Oh, forgot to add.. I’m no longer terrified of roaches 🙂 Praise God!
sheridan voysey on August 29, 2010 at 5:54 pm
I’ve heard of God speaking through donkeys (Numbers 22:21-30) but never through cockroaches! Thanks for the story mysavinggrace.
hello on August 29, 2010 at 6:59 am
To mysavinggrace,
I would like to know how God’s voice looks like?Does it the same as a person talking to you?Was it a very clear human voice?Or it is just a blurry voices pass through your mind?
I wish I can hear God’s voice as clear as Samuel in the Bible.
driftsmoker on August 29, 2010 at 7:58 am
To hello,
It does not necessarily mean that u must hear an audible voice. It can be through words u see, situations u experience, words from others. Most of the time it, for me, God usually speaks to me through my dreams and a sudden enlightenment on something.
I definitely know that its God speaking to me, its very hard to explain it, but deep down in my spirit i feel it. If u learn to see and go through situations differently in God’s approach, you’ll hear him. Be swift to listen and slow to speak…
sheridan voysey on August 29, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Hi Hello.
I would agree with driftsmoker – God can use numerous means to speak to us. For most people that is rarely audibly. The best way I can describe God’s voice is a certain sense of ‘knowing’. This is a rare occurence for me but when I have heard Him in this way the ‘voice’ has been 1) weighty 2) peaceful 3) loving 4) in line with the Bible’s overall message.
You mention wanting to hear God the way Samuel did. Keep in mind that even he struggled to recognise the voice of God and needed Eli to help him (1 Samuel 3:9). We should learn to recognise the voice of God with the help of others more spiritually mature than us.
esther chang on August 29, 2010 at 11:39 am
God can speak in strange ways, in very normal ways… we don’t know for sure but one thing is that the Spirit within us will recognise and acknowledge His voice and we’ll know for sure.
I remember my cousin once shared that God spoke to her through a fast food advertisement! So yes, God can speak to us through the things around us… even through nature or mature believers.
Another thing I learned about differentiating my own thoughts and God’s voice is that when God speaks, His words do not come from the same train of thoughts as I have. It comes when you are not thinking within your capacity. I wonder if this is the right approach though. Would appreciate it someone can enlighten me (or us) in this area.
sheridan voysey on August 29, 2010 at 6:02 pm
I think you’re right esther. There is a different quality to the voice of God than our own thoughts. It’s gentle, peaceful and yet direct. And, of course, always in line with the Bible.
Vonie5 on August 29, 2010 at 11:43 am
Usually I hear God’s voice in the morning, directly upon waking up. I’ve come to believe that is the only time of day when my mind and surroundings are quiet enough to hear Him. His “voice” generally comes to me in the form of a revelation about something that concerns me or I have been praying about. I have never heard an audible voice, but I am certain that God has many ways of speaking to his people.
scrapedknees on August 29, 2010 at 1:39 pm
I wish I could hear Him.
I look back at my life and I can see how God has guided me through tough times and mistakes I’ve made. I can see that the pain I went through was necessary, that I’m better for those times.
But when I was suffering, I couldn’t hear Him.
A few months ago, I was going through a real ordeal. I decided to take a few days and go out to some wilderness nearby and fast. I wanted to hear Him and let Him know that I’m willing to do whatever he wants. I was looking for direction. I took my bible with me, but the words didn’t speak to me. I ended up leaving there more depressed when I came.
I know He loves me and that I love Him. I can see how he’s cared for me in the past, through my hurt and anger. Now and then I’ll see something beautiful, and I know He’s smiling with me as I admire. So why can’t I hear him?
I want to make it about me. Maybe I’m not holy enough, haven’t read enough bible, or there’s some sin I haven’t dealt with. But truthfully, I know God should be able to reach me, no matter how much of a backwards christian I am.
Maybe the thing I’m hoping for is what we lost in the garden of Eden. Maybe God is wanting the same thing. What I know is that I want His Guidance.
Soldier4Christ on August 29, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Dear scrapedknees, sometimes God speaks volumes through what we see as His silence.
You say in your post that you want to make it all about you, but it isn’t all about you or me or how good or bad we are, it is all about Him. I know that when I was at the end of my rope in the not too distant past I just gave it all to God and He has spoken to me through dreams and the Bible. I have found that I have to take me out of the equation and rely on Him for everything and every part of my life. I believe that He speaks to us all, we just have to be listening to what it is that He is trying to say.
God bless you and keep on keeping on.
sheridan voysey on August 29, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Hi scrapedknees.
I was sadened by your post but also greatly encouraged. You have a real heart for God: 1) You sought God with fasting, 2) you told Him you’d follow Him no matter what, 3) you love Him, even though you can’t always hear Him. What a beautiful thing. God loves you.
I notice that you are struggling to hear God during a season of suffering. Is depression involved? This can be a common experience. I can’t hear God with a headache let alone depression.
Keep in mind also that some great saints throughout history have struggled to hear God speak specifically to them, sometimes for extended periods. CS Lewis experienced this, as did Julian of Norwich, St John of the Cross, Mother Teresa. I have been waiting on God about one issue for some years now. Sometimes we simply wait.
Another thing is the role of other godly people right now. God speaks primarily through the Bible, and then others. Who are you able to deeply share and pray through this season of life with? Both solitude and community is needed to hear God rightly.
Be assured that God is still with you, near and present, even if you can’t sense it. The fog will lift.
Mel-rose on August 29, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Hi, For me God talks to me through my dreams I remember when He talk to me about the refusal of the visa for my fiance,he had prepared me for it coz my partner was so devastated when He found out he was denied, somehow bcoz God had told me what was gonna happen, I was hurt but at the same time I was strong for my partner.
I believe God knows what’s best for us so I lift up everything to Him because He never fails to lift us up when we are face with trials beyond our control, His my Savior!Have faith and He will be there for you!
Rajender Kumar on September 7, 2010 at 3:45 am
This is true that God speaks in many ways. The only requirement to hear His Voice is willingness to hear with open ear/mind/heart.Lord Jesus said in His Word in Mark 4:24 -Beware, What you hear?