Hearing God's Voice

One of my new Facebook friends recently asked me how to know if / when God is speaking. Here was my reply:

Hi [Name]-
I LOVE your question. I think learning to hear God's voice is one of the most exciting (but sometimes frustrating) parts of growing in our relationship with Him.

When you're first learning to listen for His voice, I think the most important thing is to understand that He is really speaking to you! It's not something that we're accustomed to.

Most people think that God is very distant and uninterested and that if He ever speaks to a person it would be a very strange or amazing thing (because He almost never does it). But nothing could be further from the truth! The Bible says that God is constantly thinking about us and whispering to us (check out Psalm 139:17-18).

I would encourage you to just start talking to Him. Pray something like this: "God, I think that's you tugging at my heart. I think you're trying to get my attention. Well, now you have it. Please speak to me. I want to hear and understand whatever you want to say."

Let me know how that goes... and if you think you "hear" anything in response. Now remember, it won't be an audible voice (that's the frustrating part). The Bible describes God speaking to us in a whisper... And it's always encouraging and hopeful.

Warmly,
Todd

This person is having so much fun now... They've bought a copy of Enjoying Your Journey With God and a Bible. The adventure has begun!