God Morning Family,
I so want to be one who walks with God, hears His voice, and responds quickly to what He is saying.
After 14 years of salvation I still am seeking to not only know about God but to know His heart and do those things that please Him. But how do I know I am hearing Him? That is still my question, and through my experience, inquiry, as well as the counsel of knowledgeable people I have a few answers that can help us all in our quest to be Spirit led.
1. You Can Know God's Voice Through His Word. God does not contradict His word and somethings are very basic. Sex out of marriage, adultery, back-biting, lying, unforgiveness, giving, tithes/offering, stealing, jealousy, addictions, idolatry, bitterness, preferring others before yourself, love, prayer, church, reading your Bible, etc... are all covered very eloquently in the Bible. There are many things that do not need prayer because God has already made Himself clear in His written Word. If we do have argument it's not because the Word is vague it's because we do not want to do what we read.
For instance, a brother has been offended and while on the outside he is polite, in his heart his has not forgiven the offender. This brother is in jeopardy of hell because the Word says;
But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mk 11:26 NKJV
2. You Can Know God's Voice Through God Ordained Authority. I know many church goers believe that submission to authority is an outdated form of control. Some believe that God speaks to them directly and they never need anyone to speak a word into their life or obey godly counsel. (Funny, some men that hold this false doctrine still believe that their wives and children need to obey them...can someone say hmmmmm?)
Refusing to allow yourself to be taught, led, and corrected is pride. I personally believe that because I listen to and obey my husband and pastors, and (more recently) listen to the voice of my parents and peers I hear God's voice all the more clearer.
God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Jas 4:6
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Heb13:17
By the way Eli was a very poor priest who allowed his sons to sin before the people and steal the best of God's offering. Yet Hannah through her submissive attitude induced this man to go to God on her behalf. God heard Eli and blessed this barren woman to give birth to Samuel. Later Samuel was given to Eli to be trained by him. Through Eli Samuel learned the voice of God. God never let this great Prophet's words fall to the ground.
3. You Can Know God's Voice by Letting Go Of You. The Holy Spirit often speaks about giving to, helping, or serving others. Even though we hear this still small voice we have trouble discerning it because of SELF. Picky, self-centered, touchy, crabby people ignore this voice. I am one who can be very controlling. I love making plans, knowing what's happening at every moment, and having my say. This attitude resists the voice of God because obeying the Holy Spirit will force you to give up what you want and prefer others before yourself. Finding the voice of God means letting go of YOU and becoming a meek and lowly spirit. Never become set in your ways.
This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Jn 15:12-13
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matt 11:29
4. You Can Know The Voice Of God Through Communion. I love the word communion as it relates to intimacy with God.
Communion: 1. A sharing of; possession in common; participation. 2. ...sharing one's thoughts and emotions with another...intimate converse. 3. An intimate spiritual relationship. This word perfectly defines intimacy with God. It's not a ceremony but a face to face encounter that never ceases. Knowing God's voice in such a relationship is assumed. Seek His face. Cry out to know Him. He will not disappoint.
But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice. John 10:2-5
Stay in Prayer and in the Word!
Love in our Lord,
Lauren
