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How do you hear God?
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AP Photo/Joel Fischer
Can we really hear God talking to us...and if we can, when and where should we expect to hear from Him?
I used to wish that God could sort of just appear before me in the form of a posted sign or a flashing billboard to get my attention. Maybe He could even wave His arms around or use a megaphone while calling my name? Haven't we all wished that hearing God was that easy?
Most of us don't have encounters with God like others have had- say, for instance, Moses...remember him and the story of the burning bush? God certainly got His message to Moses in a not-so-subtle way. For the rest of us, we sort of have to use different skills to hear God when He speaks to us.
How can you know that God is trying to talk to you and/or where can He be found?
Well, God communicates with us in many different ways. I would say the most obvious way He communicates with us is through His word. If you're anything like me, you probably keep your preferred translation of the bible on your night stand or close by...or in every room of your house, even! I keep my bibles where I spend a lot of time throughout the day- mainly at my desk, so it's right there when I need a little encouragement. When I feel that I need to hear from God, I pick up His word, and let it fall open to a random spot. I read whichever verse(es) my eyes first land on, and then really concentrate on how it relates to my current situation. Would you believe that I wind up in the right place every time I do this? Coincidence? I don't think so.
God also communicates with us by being our guide, leading us through situations. Think back to a time in your life where you just didn't know how you were going to get through it. If you are in fact on the other side of that situation now, how did God help you through it?
Sometimes God uses other people to communicate a message- be it love, hope, strength, healing. How many of you have seen/heard God through someone else? It's not always a friend or someone you know- God may use a perfect stranger to get through to you. I have been used by God in this way and received God in this way- what a blessing!
If you don't feel at peace with something...there's a reason for that. God comes to us as the 'still, small voice' or 'the voice of peace.' It's that little voice inside that often gives us a little nudge to let us know that we're not quite where we should be on our path. This is also the voice that calms us when we're anxious, scared or feel hopeless- it's God showering you with love, comfort, peace and protection. This is when it is very appropriate for us to be still and just know that He is God, and that He is faithful.
We also hear God when we're not expecting it. I have had more than one occasion where I'm just going about my usual day, minding my own business when BAM!-- there He is. I refer to this as hearing 'the big voice.' It's the voice I take serious direction from- the one that guides me through life-changing decisions, and the one that won't go away...even when I feel overwhelmed by it. To me (not every time, but a lot of times), it sounds like an actual voice in my head- like God is completely in there, parenting me. If you hear God's voice in this way, please don't ignore it- it most likely is what and who you think it is. God might be trying to tell you something really big and/or really important. Put your hope and trust in Him and follow His lead.
God's voice has been described as many things: big, loud, direct, loving, calming, quiet, caring, angry, hurt, disappointed, jubilant, mighty, indirect, bold, musical, etc. How would you describe God's voice?
Please feel free to share your thoughts/experiences of how God has or continues to speak to you in our comment section.
Tomorrow- Prayer, and what to do when we hear God speaking to us.
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