Have you ever felt like you wanted – or needed – to speak to God one-on-one for guidance or help? With the fast pace of our lives, so many things demanding our attention, and the plethora of conflicting messages coming from culture every day, it’s a challenge to discern God’s voice from the others. Take heart! He has provided for us throughout history by laying the groundwork for everything that we need today – there are two main ways we can learn to discern God’s voice in a loud world.
God Wants Us to Hear Him
From the creation of humankind, God’s interaction with us has been consistent – although through history it has taken on different forms. The themes of His communications are too comprehensive to discuss here, but a few stand out: 1) God wants us to know He loves us (Eph. 3:17-19); 2) He wants a relationship with us (Rev 3:20); and 3) in the midst of the all of the conflicting ideas that pour out of culture, He wants us to be able to discern the difference between how to live according to what’s healthy and good, and the deceitful beliefs and behaviors which destroy relationships and lives (Matt 10:16).
Before eating the fruit from the forbidden tree, Adam and Eve had the privilege of speaking with God in person in the Garden of Eden. Tragically, this was lost after the fall, when, in God’s holiness, they could no longer look upon Him (Exodus 33:20). Although human sin created a barrier preventing people from having the same type of interaction with God that Adam and Eve enjoyed, God continued to pursue and guide them. We know this by the many accounts of God calling and instructing them. Early on, He spoke directly to Noah and Abraham. Over time, we see judges and prophets enter the scene like Samuel and Jeremiah.
Although we don’t know exactly what the experience of God personally talking to them was like, we gain a little insight from the description of God’s dialogue with Job in Job 38:1: “The Lord answered Job out of a whirlwind…”.
Regardless of how He did it, God spoke – and it resounded. He didn’t speak directly to everyone, but His messages were available to all who would receive them through the messengers He appointed. Throughout history, as these stories unfolded, God’s interaction with people, along with His messages, were written down and compiled to form the Bible we have today. Both the Old and New Testaments are fascinating historical accounts of God’s engagement in the lives of His people.
How to discern God’s Voice: STEP ONE
Just as God loves us and knows us better than we know ourselves, He desires for us to know Him intimately too.
Equipped with the Bible, we have ample stories and messages from God to study. Knowing and correctly interpreting them teaches us about His character, how He views the world and our personal circumstances. It helps us to develop discernment between His voice and those of the world.
Studying the Bible can seem overwhelming and complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. By dedicating time every day – consistently, over time, you’ll find that you’re stronger in your understanding of God’s character and nature; therefore, more discerning.
Related: – FINDING GOD IN SCRIPTURE
How to discern God’s Voice: STEP TWO
Along with our study of the Bible, the Holy Spirit serves as our modern-day guide (John 15:26). As we saw with God’s presence in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, God is highly relational. He wants us to spend time with him. He pursues us. He wants us to WANT to spend time with Him. He wants to bless us and give counsel and peace, which is what we find when we seek His presence in our lives.
This is where prayer comes in. Throughout the Bible we see God’s instruction for His people to seek Him, to approach Him in prayer, and to rest in Him.
- Heb 4:14-16 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
- Phil 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
- 1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
- Ps 23:1-4 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Along with developing discernment through the study of God’s Word, when we make a regular habit of approaching God in prayer – with repentant, surrendered, thankful, and open hearts – we’re making ourselves available for the Holy Spirit to comfort and/or guide us. Just as there is no formula for what this looks or feels like, we can have confidence that when our hearts are ready and willing, we will be ready to discern God’s voice through the Holy Spirit.
Related: WHEN GOD FEELS DISTANT
The great news is, we have so much available to help us discern God’s voice in such a loud and complex world and it just takes consistency. To help you navigate understanding the Bible, check out Matthew Tingblad’s YouTube channel where he explains complex themes. This is a great source to help on your journey of learning to interpret and apply Scripture correctly.
As we embark on a new year, while you’re considering your goals for the next twelve months, how can you begin to take small, consistent steps to study the Bible and spend time with God regularly? Some days may look different with circumstances and availability – but what matters to God is our willingness – our heart. Imagine the difference five minutes a day will make over the course of a year!
