Hearing God, Pt. 1  

Over the next few weeks, I will examine ways we can hear God’s voice.  

Many wonder today, “Can I hear God’s voice?” The answer is yes! The Bible and Church history are full of examples and instruction as to how we can safely and confidently hear the voice of God.  

In Luke 10:38-42 we read of two sisters, Martha, and Mary. Martha was worried and distracted by many things. She was bothered that Mary was at the feet of Jesus and listening to Him, while she worked hard to serve others.  

Jesus told Martha, “One thing is needed, Mary has chosen the better part.” Mary quieted herself and chose to listen to Him. Not just teaching, but relationally connecting with Jesus. The Message Bible translates as “One thing only is essential.” 

There are many things that can help us grow as Christians. But Jesus made it clear that one essential thing is to have close relationship with Him, whereby we can hear Him. If you have a close relationship with someone, communication is involved.  

Even Jesus lived in this close relationship with the Father and could hear His voice. He demonstrated how to live from relationship and communication with the Father.  

“So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.” John 5:19 NLT  

Jesus did nothing on His own initiative, but only that which He saw the Father doing, and heard the Father saying. Is this possible for you and I? Yes! 

Believers in the early church, before there was a Bible, lived in close relationship with the Lord. Before Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 15th Century and Bibles were mass produced, Christians believed in Jesus, “heard God,” and followed Him. 

How? Through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, who lives inside every believer, who guide us into all truth as Jesus promised: 

“However, when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you in all truth. He won’t speak on his own but will say whatever he hears and will proclaim to you what is to come.” John 16:13 CEB 

Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His word. But what does that look like for us today? It is simply positioning ourselves to focus our attention on the Lord and listen to Him.  

Prayer is more about listening to God than talking to Him. What God is after foremost is relationship with Him. Hearing His voice flows from relationship with Him. 

We worship the God of the Bible, not the Bible itself! 

Scripture is not an end to itself; but points us to God and relationship and communication with Him. The Holy Spirit illuminates the written word to help us hear God, as well as to our hearts about matters. We are on a journey of discovery as we sit at His feet—listening!  

To walk faithfully with God, live prosperously, and fulfill your purpose, you must KNOW Him intimately and His voice personally.  

Jesus emphasized the importance of hearing God speak to us. 15 times in the NT He stressed to have “ears to hear.” The last 7 times in Rev. 2-3, we are to hear “what the Spirit is saying” because Jesus is ascended, and the Holy Spirit is here on earth. 

In John 10:22-30 Jesus defined His followers as those who hear His voice and follow Him. 

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 NLT 

Jesus is our shepherd, and he makes it clear, if you believe in Him, you are a sheep who hears His voice. He wants us to know His voice and follow Him. This invitation is open to all of humanity! 

Jesus told Martha that only one thing was necessary, and it was what Mary was already doing—listening to His words. He wasn’t going to stop Mary from hearing God’s truth so she could help Martha in the kitchen!  

There is no formula to hearing the voice of God. Each of us will hear and communicate with God slightly different.  

Foremost, do you believe you can hear God? If so, how do you hear God? Where do you hear God most often? 

Learning how to recognize how God most often speaks to you is important. I call it the “language of the Spirit.” Learning His “language” to each of us is vital. For example, God may speak to us through the Bible, thoughts, words, impressions, vision, and encounters—all comprise the language of the Spirit.  

For me, I find early mornings are best to hear the Lord. I quiet myself and listen. I ask him what is on His heart, what He wants me to know or hear that morning. I also find that in nature, taking walks and hikes, is another place and avenue to hear God. 

From Genesis to Revelation God continually revealed Himself to His covenant people. In fact quite often using dreams and visions. God said we should expect to receive a continuing flow of dreams and visions because the Holy Spirit was poured out in Acts 2.  

I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. Acts 2:17 NKJV 

The Holy Spirit has been given to us by Jesus. He dwells with us and in us. We know Him and we can learn to hear Him. Young and old, all can hear His voice! 

Another Helper   

Jesus promised:  

15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:15-18 NKJV 

The Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of the promise Jesus made to the disciples that He would send another comforter, the Spirit of truth who would abide with us forever (John 14:16).  

The Holy Spirit is our comforter, our friend, and our helper. He teaches us, leads us, and empowers us to proclaim and demonstrate the gospel of the Kingdom. Jesus is with us always because the Holy Spirit is with us always! 

Jesus is the Rock, the source, the Holy Spirit is the River that never runs dry, never wearies, never quits, never stops flowing! 

In John 14:16, the word “another” is the Greek word allos, means: One besides, another of the same kind. Jesus’ use of allos for sending another Helper equals “one besides Me and in addition to Me but one just like Me.  He will do in My absence what I would do if I were physically present with you.”   

The Holy Spirit gives continuity with what Jesus did and taught. 

The word “helper” is the Greek word parakletos, a word that is derived from para “beside” and kaleo “to call”; meaning “called to one’s side.”  The word signifies an intercessor, comforter, helper, advocate, and counselor. 

In nonbiblical literature parakletos had the meaning of “an attorney who appears in court in another’s behalf”. 

The Holy Spirit is sent by the Father, who comes along side of us to help us, who is just like Jesus!  He reveals the Father and the Son to us, He leads us into truth, He guides and directs us, He gives us strength, and He comforts us.   

The Holy Spirit wants to envelop you in His presence. He really cares for you and wants to be your best friend. 

Our Christian life was meant to be an ongoing experience of fellowship with the Holy Spirit, individually and corporately. From that place, we learn of His voice and leading. 

Most of us desire to live a victorious Christian life. But without daily communion and communication with the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to attain that goal. Communion with the Holy Spirit is the launching pad for a life of supernatural power and consistency. 

Here is a call to action this week. Write down how you hear God most often. Set aside 30 minutes this week and wait on the Lord to hear Him! You will be blessed!