God Conversations: 7 Days To Hearing God’s Voiceናሙና

The Sounds of God: What Does God Sound Like?

What does God sound like? Does he speak with a strong booming voice or a soft mystical whisper? Does he have an accent?

In ancient times, people believed that the gods communicated their will through natural phenomena such as wind, fire, and earthquakes. People would try to discern the circumstances and appease the gods by offering sacrifices. Yet the God of the Bible revealed himself very differently. He spoke to Elijah the prophet through speech, using words that were gentle and personal. God’s words helped Elijah understand his situation, lifting his despair and providing direction for the next step. In the same way, God speaks to us today in a spiritual voice. It may come via his people, or more directly in our thoughts. 

Another way God speaks is through picture language that comes as ‘visions’ when we’re awake and ‘dreams’ when we’re asleep. This is his most common mode of communication we see in the Scriptures. It seems that a picture does tell “a thousand words.” This was the case for the prophet Ezekiel when God spoke at the time of Israel’s exile, revealing his plan through a scene of a dry valley and an array of skeletons coming to life. 

Of course, God can use anything to speak. All creation is at his disposal. In biblical history God used a donkey to speak to Balaam and a vision of a feast to Peter while he was waiting for dinner. He gave Jeremiah an object lesson at a potter’s house and Paul a dream of a man giving travel directions. He can speak through the Scriptures,  a sermon, or the wise counsel of a leader. Like an artist, God speaks creatively in a variety of ways. As a master communicator, he knows how best to speak to us. But whatever method he uses, his words will always feed our spirits and nourish our souls. They call us to follow him and make us more like Jesus. It’s up to him to choose how to speak. It’s up to us to be ready to listen.

Reflect: In your experience, what does the voice of God sound like? Have you ever had a dream or vision like Ezekiel’s? 

Prayer: Lord, speak to me in whatever way you choose. Help me to recognize the different ways you speak.