How often do you hear God speak to you? If we are truly honest with ourselves, the answer is probably far less often than we would like to admit. Why is this? As you prepare to read this post, I encourage you to meditate on these two questions: How often do you hear God speak to you, and why is it that we often do not hear Him?
I would venture to say that I am not alone in the idea that it would be great to audibly hear God in this loud booming voice. Adam, Noah, Moses, and Paul are all names of individuals who heard, loud and clear, the voice of God. For these men, God spoke clearly and intentionally. But an audible voice is not the only way God speaks to his creation. When we put the pressure on ourselves to hear God in only one way, we fail to recognize all the channels in which God has chosen to speak to each of us uniquely.
As Christ-followers, cultivating a right relationship with God means creating space for His voice to pierce through the noise of our busyness and distractions. Think back to the two questions posed earlier. The best way to sum up our shortcomings is to recognize the noise amidst the busyness. For the majority of us, we create and actively engage with the “noise” that overpowers the still small voice of God.
What are a few of the loudest voices in your life, the things that distract you from God? Social media, sports, packed schedules, and even work are likely among the most prominent voices competing for our attention. Overcoming the noise to hear from God requires intentional effort to quiet our hearts and minds. Here are some ways to do so:
Prioritize Time with God: Set aside dedicated time each day for prayer, Bible reading, and meditation. Consistency helps create space for His voice.
Eliminate Distractions: Identify and minimize the sources of noise in your life, whether it’s excessive screen time, a cluttered schedule, or mental busyness.
Practice Silence and Stillness: Spend time in quietness before God, free from interruptions, allowing yourself to focus solely on Him.
Seek His Presence in Worship: Worship helps align our hearts with God and opens us to hearing His voice.
Listen for His Voice in Scripture: God’s Word is one of the primary ways He speaks to us. Engage with it prayerfully, asking for understanding and guidance.
Be Obedient: When you sense God speaking, respond in obedience. Faithful listening often leads to clearer communication.
Invite the Holy Spirit: Ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern God’s voice amidst the noise.
By cultivating these practices, you can create a spiritual environment more conducive to hearing from God. God desires to speak to each of us, and by intentionally quieting the noise of our busy lives, we can better hear His voice. As a church, let us be encouraged to create space for His presence, prioritize time with Him, and trust that He speaks uniquely to each of us, guiding us in love and truth.
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