Not too long ago, a talk show host equated hearing God’s voice with mental illness. Her remarks sparked an uproar and forced her to apologize quickly. Frankly, it’s not surprising that an unbeliever would doubt the ability to communicate with God. But what about believers? How often are we listening for his voice? Should we even expect God to speak to us? I believe so. We are made in his image, and we like to talk, don’t we? So why would God be any different?
Unfortunately, God’s message has trouble reaching us, not because he’s unwilling to communicate, but often because we struggle to recognize and listen to his voice. The most important way he speaks to us is through the Bible, of course. But not everything we need to know from God is in his Word. After all, I won’t find a verse telling me what major to study at university. No chapter will give me the name of the man I should marry, nor tell me how to help a friend in need. So what then?
This is where the Holy Spirit comes in! God is just as eager to communicate with us in areas not covered in the Bible as in those that are. Isn’t it wonderful that the Creator of the universe is willing to impart his wisdom and guidance in all areas of life?
So how exactly does he communicate? I’ve found that the most common way is by putting thoughts in my mind. Unfortunately, I tend to dismiss them more often than not. But over the years, I’ve slowly learned to become a better listener.
God speaks in all areas of life, big and small. Let me give you a few examples. Recently, I was in a store to buy a kitchen item. I carefully picked it out and headed to the cashier. While waiting in line, the thought came to mind, “Go check the clearance rack.” At first, I dismissed it, not wanting to take the time. But the thought wouldn’t go away, so I finally obeyed. Sure enough, an identical item at one-third the cost was waiting for me on the shelf!
Another similar situation happened to a friend. She had lost her favorite thermal mug. She looked everywhere at home and at work, to no avail. After about two weeks, she finally decided to pray about it, and the thought came to her, “Check under your bed.” She looked, and there it was! That same day, after praying for help, she found two other items she had misplaced!
Let me move on to a more serious situation. My roommate was driving home late at night. While I was praying for her safety, a vision of a deer came to mind. That prompted me to pray for protection from hitting one. When she got home, she said two deer had dashed across the road right in front of her car! She had no idea how she avoided hitting them. Well, actually, she found out why—God protected her.
I once heard Joni Eareckson-Tada say that if we suddenly have a thought to help someone else, especially when it’s inconvenient for us, it’s likely from God. Such urgings don’t come naturally. I can give one example of when I discarded such a thought, to my shame. An older man was working in the building where I had classes. One evening, as I was leaving, the thought came to mind, “Share the Gospel with him.” It was late, I was shy, and I dismissed it. I think it was the last time I saw him; he passed away shortly afterward.
How can we tell whether a thought is from God? First, the Lord will always speak in agreement with the Bible. God will never contradict himself. But beyond this basic criterion, I admit it isn’t so simple. There isn’t an easy formula. And yes, we will make mistakes. But Jesus’ words in John 10:27 give us an important clue: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. The key to recognizing God’s voice is a close relationship with God—knowledge of his Word and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. The better we know him and the more we seek him and his will, the less impaired our spiritual hearing will be.
God wants to speak to you. Are you listening?