Finding My Way Home: A Journey to Discover Hope and a Life of PurposeSample

Hearing the Voice of God

Have we overcomplicated hearing the voice of God? Is it more straightforward and more accessible than we think? A chapel speaker once broke it down and gave a few simple steps. I’ve been practicing this for years now, and as I’ve grown, I’ve become more comfortable and confident in hearing and following the Lord.

He taught me to get into a quiet place and talk to God like a spouse or friend. When I finish praying, I sit quietly. I have a journal nearby to write down everything that comes to my mind -- everything I’m thinking. Then, I see if what I’ve written lines up with the Word of God. If it does, I assume this could be God. If it doesn’t line up, I draw a line through it because it’s probably me. Even if I make a mistake, God is still pleased because I consistently try to grow in Him by studying His Word, spending time in prayer, and learning to hear Him more clearly.

At first, since I didn’t know the Bible well enough, I often felt stuck and had questions after studying, so I asked other people to help me. Then, I set a goal of praying and writing like that five times a week. Over the months, as I spent more time reading Scripture and praying, my writing lined up more often with what God had said.

I was doing it. I was learning to hear my Father’s voice.

God gave me a perfect picture of this when my son Austin was in kindergarten. Thirty little kids were running around. I called his name, and even in the noise, he turned to me immediately. He knew my voice because we had spent time together.

That’s how the Spirit of the Lord works. You can still hear and recognize His voice, even with so many things going on. If you first learn to listen to Him during your one-on-one time in that quiet room with the door closed, then you’ll still hear and recognize His voice no matter where you are or what is going on.

Understanding that I could hear God’s voice and having a method for doing that changed my life’s trajectory. I know it can do the same for you.

Do you feel confident in hearing God’s voice? How can you “practice” this week?