Introduction
How do you hear God’s voice? How do you know it is God speaking to you?
Many people wonder whether God can truly talk to them. After understanding the person of the Holy Spirit in the previous module, it is crucial to learn how God speaks.
In a noisy world filled with distractions—media, philosophers, New Age teachings, false prophets, and familiar spirits—it is vital to recognize the distinct voice of God. Unfortunately, some people mistake these voices for God’s and make critical life decisions based on false or misinterpreted instructions.
There are two distinct voices influencing every person’s life, dictating the critical decisions we make:
Two Kinds of Voices
Regardless of what different doctrines may teach, there are primarily two kinds of spirits that give instruction to humanity:
- The spirit of the world (the devil)
- The Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit)
1. The Spirit of the Power of the Air – The Spirit of the World
This spirit operates in the world and within unbelievers.
Scriptural Reference:
- Ephesians 2:2: “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience.”
Before coming to Christ, many of us lived according to the desires of the flesh, craving worldly things like money, food, drugs, sex, and material possessions. These cravings created a void that could never truly be satisfied. These were the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride from our accomplishments.
Scriptural References:
- Ephesians 2:3: “Among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”
- 1 John 2:16: “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
2. The Spirit of God – The Holy Spirit
As a believer in Christ, you now have the Spirit of God dwelling within you. The Holy Spirit has the power to mortify the desires of the flesh and the pride of life. Through Him, you lack nothing, for all things are yours through faith in Christ Jesus.
Scriptural References:
- 1 Corinthians 2:12: “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.”
- Romans 8:11: “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”
Discerning the Voice of God
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to discern God’s voice. Every encounter with the supernatural must align with God’s written Word. When God speaks, His voice is always confirmed by Scripture.
God communicates in different ways, depending on your level of spiritual maturity: For instance, He will not use complex metaphors and allegories when you have not fully matured in the revelations of the word. Likewise, He will not give you a dream or vision without giving an interpretation.
How God Speaks
- Audible Voice
God has spoken audibly to His servants, such as Moses and Paul. Today, many believers testify to hearing the audible voice of God.
Scriptural References: Numbers 12:8, Acts 9:4 - The Still Small Voice
This voice is a gentle whisper, as seen in Elijah’s experience. As you grow in faith, this voice becomes clearer.
Scriptural Reference: 1 Kings 19:12 - Dreams and Visions
God uses dreams and visions to provide warnings and divine instructions.
Scriptural References: Job 33:14, Acts 2:17 - Metaphors and Allegories
God communicates using parables, metaphors, and allegories to convey deeper truths.
Scriptural References: Numbers 12:7, Mark 4:33 - Prophecy
God’s prophets utter His will concerning your life. His secrets are revealed to His servants.
Scriptural Reference: Amos 3:7 - Angelic Visitations
God often sends angels to deliver messages, as seen with Cornelius.
Scriptural Reference: Acts 10:3 - Signs, Miracles, and Wonders
God uses natural phenomena to communicate, such as earthquakes, recurring symbols, and celestial signs. For example, upon the death of Jesus on the cross, the earth quaked and the veil was split.
Scriptural Reference: Matthew 27:51
Affirmations of God’s Voice
God’s voice is confirmed through various affirmations:
- The Written Word
God often speaks through Scripture, revealing His glory and will. You will know that God has spoken to you when he puts you in his word. He gives you the revelations of his word to reveal the glory of Christ (Ephesians 1:17–20).
Scriptural References: Colossians 1:27: “To them God chose to make known how great are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” - The Living Word
The Holy Spirit’s gentle whisper confirms God’s direction. The words spoken by God are not merely words but they are living spirits (John 6:63).
Scriptural Reference: Isaiah 30:21: “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it…” - The Inner Witness
Your conscience, guided by the Holy Spirit, will affirm the truth of God’s word, bringing peace to your heart and mind.
Scriptural Reference: Romans 9:1: “I am speaking the truth in Christ – I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit.” - The Thought Process
Believers have the mind of Christ (the thoughts and love of Christ), enabling them to align their thoughts with God’s will.
Scriptural Reference: 1 Corinthians 2:16: “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” - Godly Counsel
Apostles, pastors, teachers, and other servants of God provide confirmation and expound on the divine instruction from God.
Scriptural Reference: Ephesians 4:11–12: “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” - Provisions
God provides resources, relationships, and destiny helpers to accomplish His instructions.
Scriptural Reference: Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
The Witnessing Principle
In the spiritual realm, two or three witnesses establish a matter. God often confirms His voice through multiple affirmations. Thus, God speaks once but we hear him twice for us to fully understand his voice.
Scriptural References:
- 2 Corinthians 13:1: “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”
- Psalm 62:11: “Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this…”
When God speaks, His voice aligns with the written Word, inner witness, and godly counsel, ensuring consistency and truth.
Further Activity
I. Prayer
Create or find a secret place where you can avoid all distractions and commune with God through prayer.
Scriptural Reference:
- Psalms 91:1: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
In the stillness and silence, you will clearly hear His voice.
II. Worship
In this secret place, call upon the name of the Lord in an atmosphere of worship. Let deep, worshipful music play in the background as you sing along intimately. Worship creates an environment for divine encounters and visions.
III. Meditating on the Word of God
Search the Scriptures, for they testify of God.
Scriptural Reference:
- 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
- Joshua 1:8: “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night…”
Through the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, the Holy Spirit will help you connect the Scriptures and understand what God is communicating.
IV. Fasting
Dedicate time to fasting and prayer. When you fast, you deny your flesh its pleasures so your spirit may come alive and become more sensitive to God’s voice.
Scriptural Reference:
- Psalms 35:13: “I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.”
- Psalms 109:24: “My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness.”
Digest Questions
1) How do I hear God’s voice?
The primary voice of God comes from His Spirit dwelling within the believer. God speaks through various mediums, such as His Word, dreams and visions, signs and wonders, heavenly encounters, an audible voice, or a still small voice.
2) What are the ways to hear God’s voice?
- Read and meditate on the Word of God.
- Cultivate a consistent prayer life and seek God in the secret place. The secret place is a spiritual space free of worldly distractions where you can clearly hear Him in stillness and quiet.
- Create an atmosphere of worship and seek Him intimately.
- Spend time fasting, praying, and reading the Word to awaken your spiritual discernment.
3) How do you know God is talking to you?
God confirms His voice through affirmations such as Scripture, conscience, godly counsel, provisions, and signs. These affirmations usually work in twos or threes to verify that it is indeed God speaking.
Scriptural Reference:
- 2 Corinthians 13:1: “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”
4) Can you physically hear God’s voice?
Yes. You can hear the audible voice of God depending on your spiritual maturity and relationship with Him, just as Moses and Paul did.
Scriptural References:
- Numbers 12:8
- Acts 9:4
5) How do I hear God’s voice when making a decision?
- Search the Scriptures, and God will reveal His word to you.
- God’s spoken word often brings inner peace that surpasses human understanding.
- Examine your thoughts to ensure they align with the mind of Christ and are rooted in God’s love.
- Your conscience, guided by the Holy Spirit, will attest to whether you have heard God’s voice.
- Seek godly counsel for confirmation, and trust that God will provide for what He has instructed you to do.
6) How do I talk to God and hear Him?
Prayer is your means of talking to God. He hears you at all times and in all places. A consistent prayer life helps draw you closer to His presence. Avoid the distractions and desires of this world, for the spirit of the world seeks to pull you away from God. Focus solely on Him to capture His attention.
7) How do I hear God’s voice in prayer?
Meditative prayers that incorporate Scripture are a powerful way to speak to God. To hear Him, you must be quiet and silent. The still small voice of God often comes in the silence—after prayer, worship, and meditating on the Word.
Scriptural Reference:
- 1 Kings 19:12: “And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.”
More knowledge it is…
Hi, Mercy
Let it build you and edify you to knowing God more.
Thanks