I love it when God speaks in a deeply personal way. Recently the Lord spoke to me so deeply my eyes started sweating. (Guys don’t cry, their eyes just sweat!)
I don’t always sense God’s voice so clearly. Often it is much more subtle. But some people never seem to hear from God.
Perhaps some don’t know how to listen. So here are some ideas that I practice almost every day.
I suggest you ask and listen in the following three areas. Soon you will be hearing from God:
God’s AFFECTION
My dad got more comfortable with saying “I love you” and “I’m proud of you” as he grew older.
But our Heavenly Father doesn’t have any growing to do. He will whisper His love if you simply listen. You will be hearing from God about His love if you are His child through with Jesus Christ: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 NIV)
God’s CORRECTION
Once you understand that God loves you and that He will continue to love you no matter what you have done, it becomes easier to let Him correct you.
Ask Him, “Are there any adjustments I need to make—any sin that must be confessed and corrected?”
When He shows me a sin, I “take out the garbage” by practicing 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sin He is faithful and just to forgive our sins.” Then I rest in His forgiveness.
God’s DIRECTION
God will guide you if you ask Him: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” (Isaiah 30:21 NIV)
What should you ask regarding direction? I ask:
1. What to Do
My question here is, “God, what do you want me to do today, this week, this month, this year?” I listen for direction in both work and personal life.
After asking, I just sit and wait for God to whisper what I should do.
I agree with theologian Wayne Grudem who said: “I find the most helpful thing I do regarding use of time is to spend time in prayer each morning bringing my plans and my ‘to do’ list before the Lord and seeking his direction.”
2. What Not to Do
I also ask, “God, what do you want me NOT to do?” This is as important as what I should do, because if I do what I shouldn’t it keeps me from doing what I should.
Perhaps you remember the account of Jesus at Martha’s house found in Luke 10. She was cleaning and preparing a meal. Meanwhile her sister Mary was just sitting at Jesus feet and “listened to his teaching.” Martha asked Jesus to make Mary get to work (v. 40). (Kinda funny.)
But the Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
We waste a lot of time on unimportant stuff. Ask the Lord what NOT to do.
3. What Decisions to Make
Sometimes we have big decisions looming:
Who to marry.
Selling or buying a home
What career direction or job to take.
God’s promise in James 1:5 (NLT) is, “If you need wisdom — if you want to know what God wants you to do — ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.”
These questions are simple yet powerfully effective as we seek the mind of the Lord.
For more help in this arena:
Read my article on the topic “How to Hear from God“Read my article on the topic “Five Ways God Speaks to Us“