3 Ways to Help You Recognize the Voice of God in Your Life

Did you know that God is speaking to you right now?

All throughout the Bible we see God communicating non-stop from the beginning with Adam and Eve, when Jesus was praying in the garden, to this moment right now.

He speaks because he desires relationship with us - He wants us to know Him better so that we can understand why his plans and promises are good for us.

But often times communication is hard and we need to approach it like getting to know someone new.  Here are 3 ways we think will start you on the path to Hear the Voice of God:

1. Recognizing God's Voice

Our first step to hearing God's voice is to learn how to recognize when He is speaking to us .

I can guarantee that when you were a baby it took time for you to recognize your mom and dad’s voice, but once you did it was easy to hear and it made you smile, laugh, and when it was gone, made you cry. The same goes with God, the more time we spend with him, the more his voice will become evident to us.

So how do we actually recognize that it is God’s voice?

The apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans wrote that faith comes from hearing, and hearing comes from the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17) When we align ourselves to the word of God (the Bible) we are not only reading, but listening to the word of God. Because God’s character is perfect, the things He speaks will never go against what he has already spoken.

The best way to start recognizing God’s voice is to dive into your bible, and ask Him to speak, and by faith, listen.

2. Realize He Communicates is Many Different Ways

By spending time with God, and getting into his Word we can know that he speaks in so many different ways! Let’s look at a few of them that are fairly common:

The Bible: We know that the Bible is our first step to recognizing God, but it is also the main way he does speak. Everything in the Bible is for our benefit and understanding when we need clarity.

Prayer: God speaks when we engage with Him. Prayer is also a huge way God communicates because you are acknowledging that you want conversation with God. Ask him to speak, and He will. It may be through a picture in your mind, a thought you have, or an impression you feel. Don’t underestimate the power of prayer when it comes to hearing God’s voice.

People: God used people all the time to speak in the Bible. From kings to prophets, priests and shepherds, God spoke through them all. Although it looked different in many ways it was always for the benefit of those he loved (whether they thought so or not). God designed people for relationship, so why wouldn't he bring them closer together through words of encouragement and uplifting?

Nature: God speaks through the trees, the water, the mountains, and all creation that surrounds us. We see this example a lot through the Psalms as the authors use imagery and poetry; some of it being God’s creation. And we know that in the beginning all that God had created he called “good”, so it makes sense that he can speak to us through the things that he has created.

There are so many ways that God communicates, can you think of any more ways he speaks to you? Write them down, and try to engage with them - you never know, God may say exactly what you need to hear.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

Now we know that we can recognize God’s voice, and understand some of the ways he speaks, we need to practice. Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to communication, we can always grow in our skill set.

So let’s try it!

First lets set aside 30 minutes of our day to focus intentionally on hearing God’s voice. Find a space you know will be quiet and easy for you to focus, like your bedroom, outside, or in your car. When we are intentionally ready to hear from God it often allows our mind to focus on what he wants to say and less on the things in your own mind or that surround you.

Next, let’s welcome Him into the space we have created. It’s not that He needs to be welcomed, but it shows that we want Him to speak. In the book of Matthew Jesus says ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matt 7:7)

When we invite God into our space He will be there, no doubt about it. Know that if you are nervous or scared - it is okay! There is no shame in trying and practicing, good things take time and it may feel awkward at first, but the more you practice the more natural it becomes

Now, let’s ask Him to speak to us. There is no formula and you can ask Him anything, but for practice let’s ask for a word or a picture that He wants to give to us for today that He thinks we need to hear. Write down the first thing that pops into your head, and if it doesn't make sense to you, ask Him why he gave you this word or picture. It is helpful to write it down because although it might not make sense right now, it might in the future.

Our last step is to thank God for what he has spoken. Getting into the habit of thanking God for what he has done for us and spoken to us always puts us in the right position to receive and hear from Him in the future.

Now that you have a few basic steps to hearing God’s voice know that you can make it your own. These steps are for your benefit and to help you find your rhythm with God. It will take time, so be patient and excited - God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. (Hebrews 1:1-3) We can be confident that the God of the universe will speak, and wants to speak to us.

Now the ball is in your court, how will you continue to practice hearing the voice of God in your life now that you know He speaks? Here at YWAM Salem, during our foundational Discipleship Training School we have a lecture week on hearing the voice of God and it could be your next step to pursuing God on a deeper level!