Most people tend to live on the shallow surface where our physical senses, thoughts, feelings, desires, and emotions are constantly being stimulated by worldly, carnal, fleshly ways. Because of this, we are not able to hear from God and be led by His Spirit, leaving ourselves wide open to fall for the many deceptions of the devil.
We want to hear from God so that we may be led to pursue the right things. Unfortunately, there are always four voices in every ones head at any given time; God's voice, the devil's voice, other people's voices, and the voice of our own flesh. So, how are we to be sure to hear from God with all the noise going on?
It really is very simple. If we want to hear from God, we need to shut up the other three. So, how do we do that? The first step is to distinguish each voice so that we know what we are up against.
1. The most obvious voice is our own and it speaks to us in a variety of ways. It is always telling us what we want, what we think, and what we feel. The Bible refers to our mind, will, and emotions as our "flesh nature."
2. Another voice that clamors for our attention is the voice of other people. They are usually telling us what they want, what they think, and what they feel.
3.The third voice is the voice of the devil. He is very subtle and speaks to us through worldly ideas and viewpoints that he has injected into other people.
4. The fourth voice is the voice of God and He speaks to us in our spirits. He does not speak to us in our minds. Unfortunately, that's where most of us spend most of our thought life. Again, the Bible refers to this as "the mind of the flesh" (Romans 8:7, AMP).
These are the four voices that we constantly hear and which voice we obey is based on our ability to discern. Obviously, we want to obey the voice of God if we are going to enjoy a successful life because the Bible tells us that we must be led by the Holy Spirit.
So, how do we hear from God and be led by His Spirit? Again, by quieting the other three loud voices screaming for our attention.
When we can find some peace and quiet we will be able to hear that one still, small voice, which is the Holy Spirit of God, wanting to lead us in the way we should go.
How then do we quiet these other voices and find some peace and quiet?
First of all, the devil is easy to shut up. Psalm 22:3 says, ?But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." Satan will have to flee when we begin praising God because the Lord inhabits the praises of His people. The devil is not gonna stick around while you shout ?Hallalujah? to the Lord.
Just shout out your praise to God. Praise Him for who He is, praise Him for what He has done, praise Him for His promises, and praise Him because He deserves it. As you are praising God, you will not hear from the devil.
Other people's voices are also easy to shut up. All we have to do is get away from them. I realize their tapes continue to play in our heads, but if we can get alone somewhere and just focus on God, those tapes will stop, at least temporarily.
Our flesh is the more difficult to control because it never can get enough and is never satisfied. It is also the most difficult to control because it is extremely self-centered. Even still, Jesus said, ?Deny yourself and follow me? (Mark 8:34).
Your flesh doesn't want to follow Jesus. That would mean having to give up many things. It doesn't matter. We are to crucify the flesh (Galatians 2:20). It's just a decision.
When you quiet the evil triplets, the devil, other people's flesh, and your own flesh, it will be much easier to hear from God. Now, that does not mean you will hear an audible voice, although you may, but not likely.
God speaks in many different ways. Jesus said, ?My sheep hear my voice and they follow me? (John 10:27).
Clearly, before we can know God's voice, we must be like sheep. What are sheep? Only the dumbest animals on the face of the earth. We must become like dumb animals, knowing nothing (in and of ourselves), being completely dependant upon God. This goes back to crucifying the flesh.
When we hear from God it can be something from His written Word (logos), or it could be His audible voice (rhema). We can also get His rhema Word spoken through a friend. Or, it can be nature, convictions, open and shut doors of opportunity, and the most likely, internal peace.
One way you will not hear from God is through your emotions. Emotions are dangerous ground because they are never consistent. They're up one minute and down the next. You can't make important decisions based on something so erratic.
Many times, you will not get a definite answer on something specific. The Bible tells us that we are to live our lives by faith. We are to step out and try things that we feel God is leading us to do. Maybe this will work, maybe that will work. We just have to step out see. ?In the morning sow your seed?For you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good? (Ecc 6:11).
One thing is for sure, ?The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord? (Psalm 37:23).
Trust God for direction as you take steps of faith toward what you feel He is calling you to. It won't be long until you know for sure whether it was really Him or not.
I never seem to hear God say anything to me... Does that sound familiar? We all want and need to hear God's voice. We need His guidance, wisdom, and direction. Yet so many think God does not talk to us at all or perhaps that we are not worthy for Him to speak to us. And then others would say that they are just not spiritual enough. Be encouraged! Here are some simple, yet powerful principles to help you hear from heaven.
1. You CAN hear from heaven! If you don't think someone wants to talk to you then you probably won't go near them. God created you in His image. He started out in the Garden of Eden fellowshipping with His creation, and He wants your fellowship too. Scripture says that He thinks good thoughts toward you that He wants to give you a hope and peace for your outcome.
Throughout the Bible, He says words like hearken diligently to My voice; listen to these words I'm speaking to you today; and hear Me now in this... He wouldn't say things like that and then not give us the ability to do it.
It amazes me how many people don't believe that God would ever have anything to say to them. The very One that created you and gave you the breathe of life has so much he wants to share with you so draw near and listen.
2. He gives us ears to hear! If you want to hear from God-you can but you've got to have faith that He wants to talk to you. Next, look at the word heart-you'll notice that e-a-r is in the center-that's the ear of your heart.
Have you ever had your ears stopped up making it difficult to hear? It's the same thing with your heart. If your heart is cluttered, you may not be able to hear from God like you should.
Psalm 24 talks about being in a place of contact with God, who shall go up to the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart...
It's not difficult to maintain a pure heart. If you confess your sin He is faithful and just to forgive you of your sin and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. So, dig out the ears of your heart and you'll be amazed at how clearly you'll hear God's voice.
3. As many as are lead by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. As a born-again believer, you have been equipped with an inside leader called the Holy Spirit. He will show you those things to come and teach you those things you don't yet know.
Daniel describes Him as He who reveals the profound and hidden things, He knows what is in the darkness and the light dwells in Him. This same light is in you! It is the light of revelation that can only come by the Spirit of God dwelling in you.
It is the Lord's will for you to hear from heaven so that you have the wisdom and insight needed to be successful in life. Go to God in faith knowing that He wants to speak to you. Find scriptures like John 16:13-He will disclose to you what is to come...He will guide you in all truth. As you meditate on these nuggets your faith will increase because God has something important to say to you!
4. It is God's will for you to hear from heaven. Have you ever had a scripture jump out at you while reading your Bible? Or have you ever had the Word that is stored in your heart come to light? That's God speaking to you.
When the Lord speaks to you in these ways-His word is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. It brings the exact answer or direction you need.
From your soul come your mind, will and emotions. From your born-again spirit comes the God part of you. This living word divides the soul and spirit. It clears a path between what God is saying and what your own will or emotions are saying. This separation reveals the thoughts, intents, and purposes of your heart so you can know with confidence when God is really speaking to you.
5. The Lord is our shepherd and He leads His sons by the Spirit. You may be in a place where His voice is not booming down from heaven but He can still be leading and guiding you. Isaiah says-you'll go out with joy and be lead forth with peace.
How does it feel in your spirit as you make steps in a certain direction? Is there joy and peace or is something saying, This is not right. Having joy and peace doesn't mean it will always be easy but as you make steps He gives the strength and confidence to do what He is leading you to do.
Peace, or lack of it, is one of God's ways of speaking to you. Don't discount it because it is not a dramatic vision or prophecy. The Lord could be showing you that you are mature and spiritually developed enough to obey His gentle promptings. So, follow peace even if it surpasses your own understanding.
You CAN hear from heaven! So remember to have faith that He wants to talk to you, keep a pure heart, and obey the leadings of the Great Shepherd. The Lord has great things to share with you, today.
Both Daniel N Brown & Sandra Hughes are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Daniel N Brown has sinced written about articles on various topics from Religion, Religion and Guide Guitar. Daniel N. Brown is an entrepreneur and teacher of biblical success principles. Get his FREE report, "Christian Prosperity Secrets" when you sign up for his FREE weekly newsletter.. Daniel N Brown's top article generates over 2400 views. to your Favourites.
Sandra Hughes has sinced written about articles on various topics from Religion, self improvement and motivation and Religion. Sandra Hughes is an ordained minister, compelling speaker, and Director of All Nations School of Ministry located in Houston, Texas. She has served as Director of The Family Life Institute for Biblical Studies at Lakewood Church. Visit. Sandra Hughes's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.