I took the above picture during the solar eclipse yesterday when the moon was blocking 80 percent of the sun. It’s obvious that my photography skills are lacking, as you can see my figure on the side of the funky looking designs on the floor…sorry. That’s the way the shadow of the sun looked under the tree I was standing by.
The whole eclipse event was absolutely mind-blowing. However, more amazing is the God who made the sun, set it in place, and controls everything that happens in the heavens above and on this earth below. Even more awesome than that is to know that this imposing, incredible, immense God is interested in everything we have to say.
Have you ever been talking to someone and that person yawns or looks over your shoulder, or starts texting while you’re still speaking? That’s a sign that he/she’s done listening to your verbosity and that you need to move on. But, have you talked with someone that’s intently looking into your eyes as if nothing else matters but you? That’s how God is! You can talk to Him and He talks back!!
So, how can we clearly hear His voice? In my last blog (which seems like forever ago), we identified that we need to be connected to the Lord throughout our day and by faith picture Him very close to us.
The next 4 ideas on clearly hearing God’s voice in our lives involve prayer, the Bible, circumstances, and the church (God’s family). God will use those to guide us.
The Bible says this of itself,
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2Timothy 3:16, NLT
And, concerning prayer the apostle Paul wrote,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7, NIV
God’s Holy Spirit will give your spirit peace, through your prayer life, about what to do or not to do.
Be careful with allowing positive circumstances (also known as ‘open doors’) to be your life’s primary spiritual GPS. Just because something makes sense, feels good, and sounds profitable doesn’t necessarily mean its from God.
Godly counsel can be helpful as well but you’ve got to remain cautious. The Bible tells us that plans succeed with the advice of many counselors (Proverbs 15:22), but nowadays everyone has an opinion, so you’ve got to be wise when listening to what others say.
Let the Lord lead you primarily through His Word and through the peace the Holy Spirit gives your mind and heart when you pray. When these two work together with circumstances and people, then you proceed as you feel God has spoken. But only you will be able to know what God’s Spirit is telling you.
I had a friend in seminary who needed a job, any job, preferably one that dealt with church and youth ministry. He was convinced the Lord had spoken to him through the Bible and prayer and one day a church offered him a part time janitorial position. My friend accepted the position and felt really good cleaning that church. In fact, he fell in love with toilets…seriously weird, I know…but he loved the mechanics and the porcelain of a toilet.
Then, a pastor of another church got a hold of his resume somehow and offered him a part time job as a youth minister in a church near the seminary. What do you think he did? What was God’s voice telling him? My friend asked me what I thought he should do and I told him I thought the Lord was clearly using circumstances (resume), people (the pastor of that church), and his prayers to get him into a youth ministry.
Amazingly, he turned down the opportunity. Did he fail to hear the voice of God? He didn’t think so…but he never got another youth ministry offer.
Hearing the voice of the Almighty in your heart is a very personal thing, only you’ll know when He is speaking to you, but a jumbo-combo of prayer, scripture, circumstances, godly people, daily staying close to the Lord, and faith that God is near, can help make God’s voice clear.
What’s your thought? Please leave me a comment and thanks for reading!
Isn’t His small still voice a beautiful experience!…,
Yes it is, Kathy!!!
Sound advice, Jorge! I love that scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16. A couple more passages I would like to share also go right along with your thoughts.
1 Corinthians 14:33 says: “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” That tells me that if you have some hesitation or red flags about a decision, then maybe God’s hand is not on that decision. Also, in James 4:8 it says: “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” Just as you said, my brother, connection to God is the key to hearing His voice. Sometime ago, I read something that has always stuck with me: “Walk so close to God that there is no room for the devil”.
Great wise words, Jim!!!