Hearing God Through the YearSample

The Three Lights

“A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Deuteronomy 19:15 (NIV)

Many discussions about hearing God’s voice speak of three points of reference, also called “three lights,” that we can consult in determining what God wants us to do. 

These are 

Impressions of the Spirit 

Passages from the Bible 

Circumstances 

When these three things point in the same direction, it is suggested, we may be sure the direction in which they point is the one God intends for us. In The Secret of Guidance, Frederick B. Meyer explains: “God’s impressions within and His word without are always corroborated by His Providence around, and we should quietly wait until those three focus into one point. . . . And when the time comes for action, circumstances, like glowworms, will sparkle along your path” (emphasis added).

It is possible to understand this precious advice in such a way that it completely resolves any problem about hearing God’s voice. This is normally the case for those who have already learned to recognize the inner voice of God.

REFLECTION: Which of these “three lights” are most easy for you to discern? Which is most difficult? Why do you think one is easier than another for you? What, if anything, does this tell you about how God may be stretching you?