You want to hear from God. Maybe you've heard people say "the Lord showed me" and wondered why He never seems to say anything to you. Or you sensed something, and you're afraid it was just you.
Here's the good news up front. God does speak, and He wants you to hear Him. Most of the time He speaks through His Word and by His Spirit, more quietly than you might expect. You learn His voice the way you learn any voice: by spending time with Him.
God wants to talk with you
Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27). God isn't after a rule-keeper. He wants a relationship. The night before the cross, Jesus told His disciples, "I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15). Friends talk.
He speaks first through the Bible
Start where God has already spoken. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16). "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). One morning a verse you've read twenty times lands like it was written for you. That's God speaking.
Scripture also protects you. It makes you "complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:17). So here's the rule: anything that truly comes from God will agree with what He has already said. The Holy Spirit won't contradict Himself. If a "word" tells you to lie, to cheat on your spouse, or to treat someone the way Jesus never would, set it down. That wasn't Him.
The Holy Spirit leads and reminds
Jesus promised, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you" (John 14:26). He "will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).
Often that's what His voice sounds like. A verse comes to mind right when you need it. You get a nudge to call a friend, and she tells you it's been the worst week of her year. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Romans 8:14). Led. Not dragged, not shouted at. Led.
Usually a still, small voice
Elijah was worn out and hiding in a cave when God told him to stand on the mountain. A wind broke the rocks in pieces. Then came an earthquake, then fire. "But the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice" (1 Kings 19:11–12).
We tend to wait for the earthquake. God often comes in the whisper. I can't promise you'll ever hear an audible voice, and you don't need one. More often His voice is a thought you didn't come up with, a gentle impression, a quiet sense of "this is the way."
Peace and wise people
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15). The word for rule pictures an umpire making the call. Pay attention to that settled rest deep inside, even when the step is scary. Fear pushes you to decide right now. Jesus doesn't drive His sheep. He leads them.
God also speaks through His people. "In the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14). Talk with a pastor or mature believers who know you and love Jesus. People in a small group can pray with you over what you're sensing.
And yes, God still speaks through prophecy in the church today. At Pentecost, Peter announced that "your sons and your daughters shall prophesy" (Acts 2:17). Real prophecy is given in love to strengthen, encourage and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). Often it confirms what He's already been saying to you.
Test what you hear
Worried about getting it wrong? The Bible doesn't tell you to fear what you hear. It tells you to test it. "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:19–21). "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God" (1 John 4:1).
- Does it agree with Scripture? This one settles it.
- Does it sound like Jesus? His voice draws you toward Him, toward love and humility.
- Does it bring peace, even if it also stretches you?
- Do mature believers confirm it?
God's voice may convict you, but it won't crush you. "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). If the voice in your head keeps calling you worthless, that isn't your Shepherd.
"Speak, for Your servant hears"
Samuel was a boy serving in the tabernacle when God called his name in the night. He thought it was the old priest Eli and ran to him three times, because "Samuel did not yet know the LORD" (1 Samuel 3:7). Even Samuel had to learn God's voice. When God called again, Samuel answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears" (1 Samuel 3:10). That can be your prayer too. Not "God, prove Yourself." Just I'm listening.
How to start listening
- Get quiet. Find ten minutes without your phone. Jesus talked about going into your room and shutting the door to pray (Matthew 6:6).
- Read. One chapter is plenty. Our whole church reads the same New Testament chapter each day, so you can read along with us.
- Write down what you sense. A verse, a thought, a person who came to mind. Writing it down helps you test it.
- Obey the last thing He said. If God put someone on your heart to forgive, start there. "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22).
- Ask someone mature. Share what you're sensing with a pastor or a friend who walks with Jesus.
Listening is part of prayer. Here's more on how to pray with purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I hear God's voice out loud?
It's possible, but don't expect it or measure your faith by it. A few people in the Bible heard God speak out loud. Far more often He spoke through His Word, through prophets, through dreams, and through the quiet leading of His Spirit.
How do I know if it's God or just me?
Run it through the questions above, and give it time. What comes from God will usually still be there after a few days of prayer. When you're not sure, it's fine to say "I think the Lord may be showing me" instead of "God told me."
What if I get it wrong?
Sometimes you will. God is a patient Father, not a teacher waiting for you to fail. Facing a big decision? Read how to know God's plan for your life.
Jesus still speaks to His sheep. If you'd like to learn to hear Him with people who are learning too, come be with us on a Sunday at 10am at 3102 Prairie Rd in Madison. Plan your visit here. Or if there's something you're asking God about right now, tell us, and we'll pray with you.