Read 1 Kings 19:11-13
We are often a bit hard of listening when it comes to God.
Oh, our ears work fine. However, there are two prevailing problems: One is the
Holy Spirit’s voice of gentle stillness gets lost in the cacophony that fills
our lives and bombard our minds. The
other problem is we don’t recognize His voice when we do hear it.
Listening means being fully present, and giving God
our undivided attention. It is intentional. In our busy noisy lives, that means
carving out time to pay attention to Him. Mark 1:35 says that Jesus got up early every morning, before all the noisy demands
crowded in, specifically to spend time listening to the Father. If we are going to hear all He has to say to
us, we too need to set aside specific time to simply listen.
In order to listen to HIM, we have to know HIS voice. John 10:4 tells us that His sheep know His voice. However, that isn’t instinctive. Add a new sheep or lamb to a flock, it is not
going to automatically know the shepherd’s voice. That comes with being with
him as he explains what he is doing, quiets with words of love, and sings over
them. (Zephaniah 3:17) Our knowing the voice of the Shepherd and Guardian of
our souls (1 Peter 2:25) also requires being with Him. Recognizing God’s voice
is vital to discerning His will and direction for our lives.
There are several key factors that
help us recognizing the Holy Spirit’s voice.
1. It will sound like Jesus.
The Holy Spirit says in John 16:13 that He will only speak
the words of Jesus. Thus, what is said will always be true to His nature. It
will also be consistent with what Jesus has already said in His recorded word.
Spending time reading the Bible enables us to confirm that what is being said
is truly something Jesus would say.
2. It will always and only be truth.
The promise is that “He will guide you into all the truth.” We need to remember that
Satan knows Scripture. He will abuse it
for his purpose. What he says might be true,
but not be truth. Truth is truth. It will never contradict or compromise
the inspired Word of God. Because it is truth, do not expect the voice of God
to negotiate, justify or argue. The fact
that it never moves from the revealed truth is a definite confirmation that it
is of God.
3. It will be “higher.”
God’s perspective and vastness of knowledge makes His
thoughts and ways surpass our own. (Isaiah 55:9) Consequently, there is often a
uniqueness about God’s answers when we seek His will. He may impress on our minds a creative idea
or solution that can only come from God. He may point out a different
perspective we hadn’t considered. He
often reminds us of things we’ve heard, read or experienced that provide the
needed insights. Higher does not mean “weird,” though it can mean unexpected.
4. Expect questions.
We like quick answers; God likes questions. Matthew 7:7-8 is full of questions. Questions require thinking it through, adjusting our
perspective, evaluating what we have always believed, and appraising our motive
and willingness. As we ask our questions and answer the questions the Holy
Spirit is asking, God is steadily reshaping our thoughts and desires into His
will, and moving us in the direction He wants us to go. We need to
remember that the fallen one also likes questions. We have to pay attention where
those questions are leading. The Holy Spirit will lead us into greater intimacy
with God, specific obedience, and deeper love and trust.
Listening is a choice.
It is foremost a willingness to truly hear. Listening requires a response.
When Elijah recognized the voice of God, “he wrapped his face in his mantle” reminiscent of Moses in Exodus 3:6 as he prepared to step
into the presence of God. Hearing God’s voice requires the same response from
us – an immediate preparation to listen.
Making It Personal
God will not get louder and louder until you finally
hear Him. The only way for God’s voice to get
louder is to get closer and quieter!
- What specifically can you do to draw closer so you can
hear His voice of gentle stillness?
- How do handle the “brain chatter” that tries to drown out the Holy Spirit’s voice?
- How does multi-tasking thwart truly listening to God?
- How do handle the “brain chatter” that tries to drown out the Holy Spirit’s voice?
- How does multi-tasking thwart truly listening to God?
What does it mean for you to be fully present in the
presence of God?
How can you hear God through His word?
How does the Bible prepare you to hear Him beyond the
written word of Scripture?
Satan can do an impressive impersonation of the voice of
God. How can you discern the difference? (1 John 4:1)
Do you spend time daily listening to God?
Do you expect to hear from Him daily?
What has He told you today?
