Love Junkies: Break The Toxic Relationship Cycleنموونە

Often women who settle for unhealthy re­lationships have learned to ignore their inner witness. When their gut feeling tells them something isn’t right, they discount or minimize it. When a woman ignores her instinct, or the witness of the Holy Spirit guiding her with discernment, she is headed for trouble. 

God longs to speak to you about your relationships and everything else that concerns you. That’s why it’s so important that you learn to hear His voice. Hearing, however, is not the same as listening. Let me explain. 

For years I kept my television on all day just to keep me company. Most of the time I never sat still long enough to hear anything. I could be in the same room with the television and not hear a word because I tuned it out. I gave God as much attention as I did my TV. I didn’t have a hearing problem—I had a listening problem. I also had a lot of other misconceptions about prayer. 

I thought prayer was only a time where I made requests or spoke my heart. It never occurred to me that God wanted to talk back to me. I had also reduced prayer to a silent routine, thinking the only way God could hear me was if I bowed my head and closed my eyes. There’s a time for reverence, but there’s so many other ways He speaks.

Prayer means communication with God. It’s a two-way dynamic conversation where God reveals Himself in a variety of ways—through His word, through dreams and visions. Through worship and prophecy. Through signs and circumstances. 

God longs to talk to you so don’t make the same mis­take I once did and reduce prayer to a silent monologue. Consider taking a walk outside and listen for His voice. When the beauty of His nature surrounds you it shoves out the distractions of life. Maybe you hear God’s voice when you sing or lis­ten to music. Crank up the stereo and talk to God. Read your Bible, listen to sermons or journal your prayers and write down what you hear Him say back to you. Whatever helps you hear His voice, do that. 

Prayer is a dialogue with your creator, an exchange of thoughts between a loving God and His child—and an essential part of becoming a soul-healthy woman. As you learn to hear His voice you’ll also learn to trust your instincts and inner witness. Prayer does wonders for your confidence too. And the more confident you are, the better chances you have for a healthy relationship.

How well do you hear God's voice? Take the quiz .