One of the biggest frustrations of the Christian life is not being able to hear God. We sometimes listen to people say, “God told me to…” or “I felt like God said…” When we haven’t heard from God in a while those words can be frustrating.
I’m pretty sure that when believers speak of the voice of God, they’re not referring to BOOMING WORDS (like the ones coming from the car speaker) but of a certain sensation or reality in their minds and hearts that they clearly identify as God speaking. All who follow the Lord want to hear His voice often.
In this blog (and the one that follows) I want to share with you ideas on how to clearly hear God’s voice in your life.
First, remember that knowing and hearing the Lord the matter of faith and truth. Always hold on to the fact that God is a personal being who loves you and is interested in everything about you. This is HUGE!
Some people I know believe that their higher power is a light beam traveling through time in the stratosphere. How abstract and impersonal!
I also know people whose hope is in mother earth.
I understand the earth is beautiful and its scenery inspiring, but it all points to its creator!
“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20 NLT
Yes, the earth is full of living organisms everywhere but they are not helpful in guiding us. I can say to any of my dogs, “Can you give me some direction about what I should do with my life?” But they are either going to lick me to death or stare at me wondering when I’m going to hand out their next treat. Or, I can talk to a living tree in my yard about my concerns about tomorrow but (and I’m about to drop a double negative here) that don’t do me no good. I might as well be talking to the wind because I will get no response back from it.
God, on the other hand, is personal. He is waaaayyyy beyond us but He chooses to relate to us in a way we can understand Him. King David said about Him,
“The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right…The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:15a,17-18 NLT
In other words, God sees, hears, gets in close proximity to, and does a relief effort on each one of our lives.
To be able to hear the Lord, we must have it fixed in our minds that we follow a God with a face, arms, legs, and strength! Visualize God close to you…so close He’s invading your personal space.
As you talk to the Lord, picture Him leaning towards you wanting to hear you clearly or think of the figure of Jesus being right next to you watching you talk to your Father in heaven. This sort of healthy image of God gives us confidence and helps us get ready to hear what He has to say to us.
Once we have that, to be able to recognize His voice and hear Him clearly, we must stay close and connected to Him on a daily basis. Sometime back someone from my past called. The number was not in my cell phone contact list but i answered it anyways. Excitedly the called asked, “Guess who?” I had no clue because I am not used to talking to that person on a regular basis. Phonetically, that voice didn’t ring a bell in my brain!
People who try to stay close to the Lord do begin to recognize when He speaks to their hearts. I challenge you (as I do myself) to start focusing more on Him during your day. It will open lines of communication between you.
Thanks for reading! Leave me a comment if you’d like.
…the start of something great. Excellent !
Thank you!!
The idea of picturing Jesus right next to you ‘invading your space’ is perfect! Sometimes we become so wrapped up in our lives and the situations or troubles that we are dealing with, that we blind ourselves; not seeing what’s around us(the magnificent creation of God), and forgetting who is right beside us! Jesus PROMISEs us that He will be with us always! Daily reminding ourselves of that fact, and focusing our thoughts on Him will help us hear God’s voice as easily as we would hear the voice of any other friend!
Great thought of Jesus’ voice being like one of our friends, Jim.
Hello Pastor Jorge:
I recently purchased your new book, ” HECKLERS IN YOUR CROWD”.
I just started reading and I do hear God talking to me as I see myself and those around me. I read one chapter at a time let it t sink in my mind AND HEART, because it is so good, makes me think and understand how God works in our life through others. I will let you know when I finish it. I bought 2 books one for our pastor. 🙂 . I LOVE TALKING TO GOD AS HE LEANS IN!!! What an awesome thing!! THANK YOU PASTOR JORGE!
Thank you, Georgia! I am so glad the Lord is using the book to bless your life. I hope it encourages your pastor as well. Our God is truly incredible!!