If asked to imagine God's voice, most would imagine a loud booming thunderous voice. Not necessarily so according to Scriptures. But we must discerning. Not every "voice" or impulse is Him. A person who is not seeking Him in full faith without any doubt is not likely to have success. Other entities have voices too.
Jesus said we are His sheep who KNOW the voice of God. Read John 10:1-30 to hear His explanation of His sheep and the Shepherd. Fascinating and uplifting stuff! But it emphasizes that only those who follow Him know His voice. Very important.
What about the quiet voice? Elijah the prophet was in a cave while hiding from death threats. He was asking God for help. There was a windstorm, earthquake, and fire. Once all became calm, Elijah sat quietly and heard "a still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12). Elijah heard it and went to entrance of the cave and was able to converse with God.
It's not always an audible verse though. Probably usually isn't. Small, subtle, NEARLY SILENT impressions in our spirit are God's personal word to us. But you must possess the Holy Spirit within you first! "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit" (Romans 8:16). We need to cultivate our awareness of His voice in our life...a subtle, gentle whisper in our spirit.
- Believe that God is speaking even in hardest times.
- Do not expect God's voice to be loud. Listen to hear the whisper.
- Pray then meditate, practicing quiet listening in full surrender. Then obey.
He wants you to seek Him!
However, never forget James 1:5-6. It offers a wonderful promise...with a dire warning:
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,
Who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts (his life)
Is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
Jesus said we are His sheep who KNOW the voice of God. Read John 10:1-30 to hear His explanation of His sheep and the Shepherd. Fascinating and uplifting stuff! But it emphasizes that only those who follow Him know His voice. Very important.
What about the quiet voice? Elijah the prophet was in a cave while hiding from death threats. He was asking God for help. There was a windstorm, earthquake, and fire. Once all became calm, Elijah sat quietly and heard "a still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12). Elijah heard it and went to entrance of the cave and was able to converse with God.
It's not always an audible verse though. Probably usually isn't. Small, subtle, NEARLY SILENT impressions in our spirit are God's personal word to us. But you must possess the Holy Spirit within you first! "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit" (Romans 8:16). We need to cultivate our awareness of His voice in our life...a subtle, gentle whisper in our spirit.
- Believe that God is speaking even in hardest times.
- Do not expect God's voice to be loud. Listen to hear the whisper.
- Pray then meditate, practicing quiet listening in full surrender. Then obey.
He wants you to seek Him!
However, never forget James 1:5-6. It offers a wonderful promise...with a dire warning:
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,
Who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts (his life)
Is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
