How do you know God’s voice? How does God speak to us? Why does God speak to us?
When does God speak to us?
Romans 10:17 ESV, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ”.
Recently, the Christian Broadcast Network news reported that a "Jesus Revolution" is underway in Iran. Amid the turmoil and uncertainty in the Middle East, there’s an astonishing number of Muslims turning to Christ—especially in Iran. Over a million people have left Islam to follow Jesus, leading to the closure of mosques and the opening of hearts.
Todd Nettleton explained it well, saying, "You have a country with one of the highest drug addiction rates in the world. You have a country where corruption runs rampant. You have a country where more than half the people live below the poverty line." In such a place, people are searching desperately for hope and finding it in Christ.
This isn’t just happening in Iran; similar stories are emerging from other nations in the Middle East. Many are experiencing visions and dreams that lead them to Jesus—something I’ve also witnessed personally during my time in Germany.
What’s happening may seem insignificant, but God often moves in ways that start small but have a profound impact. This is a powerful reminder for us as believers: we must be careful about the voices we listen to. We need to hear what God is saying, especially to His Church.
Does God Speak Today?
Many of us grapple with the question: Does God still speak to us today? The answer is a resounding yes! God desires to speak to each of us and to use us in His plans. But to hear God’s voice, we must first be willing to listen.
Just as God spoke to the early church and directed the Apostle Paul through visions and dreams, He wants to talk to us today. In Acts 16:6-10, we read about Paul’s vision of a man from Macedonia, urging him to come and help. Paul immediately recognized this as God’s call and acted on it. Similarly, God wants to communicate with us, guide us, and speak directly into our lives.
How Do We Hear God’s Voice?
One of the most significant challenges many believers face is recognizing and understanding God’s voice. Jesus said in John 10:27, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." But how do we distinguish God’s voice from all the other voices in our lives? How does God speak to us, and why?
Let’s start with faith.
Do you sometimes struggle with your faith, searching for ways to strengthen it? The truth is that faith comes by hearing God’s voice. As Romans 10:17 says, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."
In the New Testament, there are two Greek words for "word": "logos" and "rhema." "Logos" refers to God's comprehensive, eternal mind and counsel. In John 1:1-2, we see that Jesus is described as the "logos," embodying the total purpose of God. On the other hand, "Rhema" refers to the specific, spoken word of God—a word that He speaks directly to us.
Have you ever had a moment when a verse from the Bible seemed to leap off the page and speak directly to your situation? That’s God’s "Rhema"—His word to you—building faith in your heart. Faith doesn’t come from merely reading the Bible as text; it comes when the Holy Spirit brings a passage alive in your heart, speaking directly to you.
2. The Importance of Worship
To hear God’s "Rhema," we must cultivate the ability to listen. Revelation 2:7 says, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." God desires to communicate specific guidance to each of us personally, and one of the best ways to prepare our hearts to hear Him is through worship.
Worship is more than just singing songs; it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s presence. Psalm 100:4 tells us to "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!" Worship brings us into God’s presence, preparing our hearts to receive His "rhema."
You might think, "I’m not much of a singer," or "Real men don’t sing!" But remember that David, a mighty warrior and king, sang and danced before the Lord. Psalm 150:6 encourages everyone who loves the Lord to sing praises: "Let everything that lives sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!" Singing is commanded in Scripture not because of how it sounds but because it’s a powerful way to connect with God.
When we worship, we open ourselves to hear God speak. It’s not about how well we sing; it’s about the posture of our hearts. When we approach God with a heart of worship, we position ourselves to receive His guidance.
3. Creating Space to Hear God
Hearing God’s voice requires creating space in our lives to listen. Psalm 62:5 says, "My soul waits in silence for God only." We must approach God with humility, recognizing our need for His guidance.
In today’s world, distractions are everywhere. But to hear God’s voice, we must intentionally set aside time to focus on Him. Faith grows over time as we consistently place ourselves in a position to hear from God. Just as God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper, He often speaks to us in quiet, intimate moments.
It’s also important to compare what we hear with Scripture. God’s voice will never contradict His written word. The Holy Spirit, who brings God’s voice to us, is the same Spirit who inspired all of Scripture. If what you believe God is saying doesn’t align with the Bible, it’s not from Him.
4. Seeking Confirmation
God often confirms His voice through spiritual leadership.
In Acts 13:1-3, we see that Paul and Barnabas received confirmation of their calling through the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch. This public confirmation validated their mission, strengthened their faith, and ensured the church’s support.
Hebrews 13:7 reminds us, "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." When seeking confirmation from others, it’s essential to consider the character and spiritual maturity of those offering counsel.
Sometimes, God confirms His voice through circumstances.
For example, you might feel prompted to pursue an unlikely opportunity, but then the circumstances align to confirm God’s leading. Jeremiah 32:6-9 tells the story of Jeremiah receiving a word from God to buy a field—an act that seemed foolish given the circumstances. But when his uncle unexpectedly offered him the field, Jeremiah knew it was a confirmation from God.
5. The Peace of God
Another key indicator that you’ve heard from God is the presence of peace in your heart. Colossians 3:15-16 says, "Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace." God’s peace acts as an umpire, guiding us in our decisions. If you feel God’s peace about a decision, it’s often a sign that you’re on the right path.
However, if you feel unrest or pressure, it may be a signal to pause and reassess. God’s peace might be warning you that something is not right. Always check your feelings of peace against the Word of God, and maintain an attitude of thankfulness.
Conclusion
Hearing God’s voice is one of the most crucial aspects of a life of faith. It guides our decisions, strengthens our faith, and helps us stay on God’s path. Like Moses, who met with God in the quietness of the Tabernacle, or Elijah, who heard God’s whisper on Mount Horeb, we too can hear God’s voice if we take the time to listen.
God’s voice isn’t distant; He’s ready to guide you with clarity and purpose. Whether through worship, quiet moments, or the wise counsel of others, God desires to speak to you today. So, open your heart, create space to listen, and let His voice lead you on the faith journey.
Have a great day . . .
Larry & Janet
Comments