I believe God speaks to us in many ways but we won’t hear Him unless we’re paying attention. “Incline your ear, and come to Me. HEAR…” (Isa. 55:3) Later on in the book of Isaiah the Lord says, “…you shall call, and the LORD WILL ANSWER; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘HERE I AM.‘” (Isa. 58:9)
Moses taught us about hearing God’s voice, and said, “If you diligently heed THE VOICE OF THE LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, GIVE EAR to His commandments…” (Exo. 15:26) David says this to us, “He is our God. We are the sheep belonging to His flock…LISTEN TO HIS VOICE today.” (Psa. 95:7) The Prophet Jeremiah repeats this, ‘Call to Me, and I WILL ANSWER YOU, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ (Jer. 33:3)
Here are some step by step measures we might try,
- Prepare. As you open your Bible, pray and invite God to speak to you.
- Read. Read a passage of scripture, noting what jumps out at you, what your mind is drawn to. “My sheep hear My voice…” (John 10:27)
- Reflect. Read the same passage again, slowly, and reflect on what God might be saying to you. Seek an invitation from Him?
- Respond. Record your thoughts in a journal, and pray, asking God for guidance and what action you should take today in response to His invitation?
- Rest. Sit quietly for a number of minutes and allow God to work in you. Train your mind to be as still as possible in silent meditation, whether that’s for two or ten minutes. “Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psa. 46:10)
Think about this, “He who is of God HEARS what God says; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” (John 8:47)
-Bill Stockham