Hearing God

Life is an adventure. It is an extremely difficult adventure without a guide. Hearing God in the moments of decision, both large and small, is vital to experiencing the depth of God’s peace in your life. Far too often God is looked to for affirmation of the decision already made rather than the director of the choice. God is under no obligation to bless what a person decides on their own apart from His will. God sent the Holy Spirit to guide the believer in all things, especially daily decisions and life-altering choices. The Spirit speaks in many different ways and it is important to learn the varied ways used. Think of these things as directional signs for you as you do the journey of life.

Circumstances

The events, situations, and happenings surrounding daily life are often used by God to communicate. Negative events don’t necessarily mean persecution. They can certainly simply be the consequence of poor decision-making on your part. God’s sovereignty might allow you to experience them to teach you to trust His plan and story. Looking to discern godly principles from your circumstances will help identify God’’s will in that time. God will not cause, or allow, circumstances that contradict His character and nature. That is an important distinction and why Scripture is a valuable tool in life. The Holy Spirit will utilize Scripture to guide you through the circumstances.

Wise friends

Key word here is “wise.” Rehoboam in the Old Testament had two sets of voices. There were wise counselors and then there were his high school buddies. He chose poorly. God can very much guide you through the wise counsel of other people. Some caution should be used in heeding the advice of friends. It is smart to weigh that counsel against Scripture and past experiences. Consider also the history of decisions for the friend. Does their life show consistent wisdom? If not, you might not have a trusted source.

Godly instinct

There is a sort of inner system that can be a source of understanding for hearing God. It is built over time and decisions so that you will instinctively be able to hear God’s call through the noise. It is especially helpful when something needs to be decided quickly. Consistent decisions to follow God will build this internal resource. Regular failure to heed its warnings will cause it to atrophy. James, in the New Testament, reminds us that God freely bestows His wisdom to those who ask for it. 

Passion

An ongoing desire to see certain things occur can be a passion placed on the heart from God. There might be a lifelong passion that seems to have always been there. It might be that at a certain stage of life a sense of calling, or passion, awakens that gives you a clear determination for the next phase of life. That inner passion could be God calling you into His story. It doesn’t need to be dramatic, like some voice from the clouds. Hearing God can often be recognizing the quiet whisper of the Spirit in your heart leading you towards God’s plan.

Peacefulness

God is a God that knows when to be at peace, to rest, to cease the work and enjoy. God’s peace is incredible and in the midst of obedience there is typically a peace that defies the chaotic parts of life.

Hearing from God doesn’t have to be complicated or grandiose. Each and every day God wants to share Himself with you and guide your steps. The Spirit speaks in and through many different things, people, and ways. Taking intentional time each day to dial in your awareness of His presence and activity will help you walk in God’s perfect story rather than your own.