Hearing God is a topic that brings angst to some, especially for genuine heart-surrendered Christians who do not have a confidence in their ability to hear God. Some people hear God through nature; some through a still small voice; others through nearly audible words spoken to their spirit; and yet others through dreams and visions. Each of us can hear God in a variety of different ways if we are willing to learn how. God speaks to us in many different ways, the most important is His Word—the living Word Jesus, and the written Word, the Bible.
As a student of the Bible and my faith of many years, I am exceedingly grateful for the written Word. It is the anchor and plumb line against we are to measure all other ways we hear God. If what we hear does not line up with Scriptures, then it’s not from God. If it’s not from God it’s either your own voice, or that of the enemy. There are only three influences for our ability to hear. The ability to confidently hear from God stems from having a good understanding of the whole of Scripture, which reveals the character, will, and intent of God for humanity, as well as the character, will and intentions of the enemy for humanity. Without a practicing understanding of God’s Word, we can easily be deceived by seemingly good words that aren’t from God.
The Apostle Paul said he wishes we would all prophesy—which is to express the heart of God to both individuals and the world at large. This is enough reason for the enemy of God would seek to hinder our “hearing ability.” If you want to grow in your confidence of hearing God resolve to:
- Study the Bible to confidently trust the character, will, and intentions of God for humanity and for you individually. Studying the authentic makes it easy to identify a counterfeit.
- Pray for and practice discerning of spirits. This is actually quite easy. When you think you may be hearing from God ask: a) how does the word feel? If you feel encouraged, edified, equipped, lovingly redirected. It’s from God. If you feel upset, confusion, fear, doubt, offense toward a brother, condemned, it’s of the devil. If you feel superior, proud, untouchable, smug, and such, it’s your carnal self. This is one time when feelings can be a good guide to truth.
- Learn to center your focus on God while you are in an intentional listening mode. I like to open my prayer journal, and have a dialogue with God. My contribution is in regular font—God’s voice is in italics. I try not to edit what I think I’m hearing God say to me. God is so loving, and kind, and ready to pour encouraging words into us, that I initially tended to dismiss what I heard. I thought it was me hearing what I wanted to hear, which gave opening to the devil to tel me I’m not “all that” so therefore it’s not God. It took practice and openness of mind and heart to realize how much God loves me–how much He loves each and every one of us.
- Be expectant of God speaking to you in any circumstance, through any means. The Bible reveals God’s spoken through a burning bush, from the heavens, from a donkey. and more. Really, expect any way.
- Resolve to be receptive to God and not let the distractions of the world hinder you. Ezekiel 11:19 from the Amplified Bible reads: “I will give them one heart [a new heart] and I will put a new spirit within them; and I will take the stony [unnaturally hardened] heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh [sensitive and responsive to the touch of their God].” With a heart that’s sensitive and responsive to God, your ability to confidently hear God will be greatly enhanced.
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