This is why I use
parables. For they look, but they don’t
really see. They hear, but they don’t
really listen or understand. Mathew
13:13
I am convinced that God is always speaking to us, but the
question is are we really hearing His voice.
It has been said that the average person interrupts a conversation about
17 seconds into one with another person.
Most of us are really good at letting God know what we think matters,
but how good are we at listening to His voice for what really counts? Now when we talk about hearing God’s voice,
we aren’t talking about new age philosophies or inner monologue, mediums or
philosophies or self-talk for that matter.
It is real intimate conversation with Jesus Christ through His Holy
Spirit. It is the voice of the Shepherd
that we want to recognize because ‘my sheep hear my voice’ in John 10.
The exercise of hearing God’s voice is for those who have
put their faith in Jesus, believe that the Bible is God’s Word, desire to
submit to God and allow Holy Spirit to direct you.
This is not a mind thing, this is a Spirit thing where our
spirit connects with the Spirit of God.
God wants to direct us through Holy Spirit.
I also want to note that these following keys are comprised
from the teaching of Mark Virkler on this subject.
Key#1 Be Still
1 Corinthians 2:9-10New Living Translation (NLT)
9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared for those who love
him.” 10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his
Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.
The challenge here is to turn off all the competing voices
in our life so we can actually focus on His voice. This means turning off the phone, computer
and remove myself from all distractions.
Recently I watched the movie, War
Room, and it was the walk-in closet that became the room where the battle was
fought, where prayers and verses covered the walls. It was inspiring for sure! Go to your sweet spot, that place where you
can be in His presence. If you have distracting
thoughts, take a piece of paper to write the “to do list’ down. It is also a good time to confess your sins
and just be humble in His presence.
Think about your day, the attitudes, reactions, wrong words etc…
Confront them, accept them as sin and get it right with Him.
Key#2 Fix Your Eyes
On Jesus
Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and
perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning
its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Take time to bring yourself into His powerful presence. Worship music is a great way to draw near to
Him and reading Scripture is also excellent. I also find that even a simple act like taking my shoes and socks off to remind me I'm in the presence of God is a powerful act of faith.
Become aware the presence of God - this is where great
accomplishments start. Acknowledge God-
The name of God is embedded in the name of Jesus.
Yahweh is in Yeshua Agree to His
assignment- if God is in it, it's going to be easy. He's the One who does it. All you have to do is say yes. It's God in you the hope of glory. Our job is
to yield, surrender to the HS. The
biggest battles are inside of me. Less
striving, more receiving. Heroes
aren't born, they are cornered. I
love this statement because it reminds me that there is always going to be a
battle between where I am and where God wants to take me and it is the same for
all of us!
Key # 3 Tune Into
Spontaneous Thoughts
John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and
they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I
sacrifice my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep, too, that are not in
this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there
will be one flock with one shepherd.
The mind is analytical and the Spirit is spontaneous, it
bubbles up and flows like a river inside of us.
The ways that God speaks to us are many but they include the Bible,
pictures, dreams, a word and there are those who have heard the audible voice
of God. If it’s a picture, journal it
and take time to look up the meaning or biblical significance of it.
Key #4 Write it Down!
Revelation 1:1 This is a revelation from[a] Jesus Christ,
which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place.
He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, 2 who
faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God
and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Take time to write down what you sense God is speaking to
you. Get a blank journal and fill it
with your God thoughts and insights. Let
it inspire, motivate and challenge you.
So, what would get in the way of hearing His voice?
·
Unforgiveness in our heart – bitterness towards
another person can keep us disconnected.
·
An idol in our heart –it becomes are sole focus
when we are connecting with God, it could be a relationship, our job, whatever
is consuming us.
·
Our own agenda – we already know how we are
going to handle the situation.
How can I
know if it’s God ?
Some tests
are:
1.
Is it
encouraging and building you up? God
will convict you, but He will not shame you.
2.
Does it contradict the Word of God? God will not contradict Himself with messages
that He gives you.
Questions to
ask God
How do you
feel about me?
What do you
want to say to me today? Speak LORD for
your child is listening!
God is not a
crystal ball, He is not a magic genie.
He is not going to tell you when you are going to get married or when
you’ll die…
Finally, leave
your agenda. He knows what you need to
hear. He knows your desires, your
thoughts. Give Him freedom to speak into
your life. Remember He is a good God,
trust HIM and know that His plans are good.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good
and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when
you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find
me.
