If the Bible tells us to listen, then it must be possible for us to hear the voice of God. God would not instruct us to do something impossible for us to do. But that being said, I know that we often struggle to discern whether or not we are hearing the voice of God. Sometimes it doesn’t seem all that clear.
Must Believe
For starters, to hear the voice of God, we must belong to Him. Jesus promises that His sheep HEAR him, FOLLOW him, and are KNOWN by him (John 10:27). Further, we belong to Jesus if we have been saved by grace. As a believer, we are promised that we will recognize His voice.
Read God’s Word
The primary way we hear the voice of God is through His Word. When Matthew, Mark, Luke, James, and John sat down to pen Scripture, God Himself inspired them. In other words, Scripture is not man-made. It is not social hype. Nor a boring account of history. Remember, the Bible is relevant to each one of us today. Besides, we can be assured that Scripture is the living, breathing word of God and we must spend time in the Word if we want to hear from Him.
Ask God to Speak to You
Jesus is the living Word. As you read Scripture, ask God to speak to you. To speak life into your current circumstances. To bring His Word alive. Most importantly, God’s will is never contrary to His Word.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:1-4
Expect to Hear from God
Although Scripture was penned over 2,000 years ago, it is still alive and active. Likewise, it pertains to whatever you are facing today. At this very moment. It can shed light on your most difficult struggle. Breathe fresh life into your dry bones. Cause you to rise, and walk again. As you read, expect to hear the voice of speak to you.
“All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” John 16:15
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
“For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” 2 Timothy 3:16
Be Ready to Listen
In the creation account found in Genesis 1, we are told that God spoke the whole world into existence. He spoke and it was done. And He still speaks to us today in the here and now. In Hebrews 4:12 we are told, “the word of God is alive and active.” This means God’s Word exposes our doubt, unbelief, and hidden sin. God’s Word is personal and intimate and when we read it, we hear the voice of God. Authoritatively. Unmistakably. Cutting right to our core.
Have you ever stopped to consider how incredibly powerful the breath of God must be? Do you believe there is power in His Word? First, ask God to speak to you right now. Secondly, start believing that He can. And finally, ask God to raise your dry bones. Start believing that you can hear the voice of God!