Even among some Christians, those who claim to “hear” from God are often viewed with suspicion. Joan of Arc, the seventeen-year-old French girl who led her country to victory in battle in the fifteenth century, was ultimately burned at the stake for asserting that God spoke directly to her. Many Christians yearn for personal communication from God, yet few experience it regularly. Why is this, when it should be commonplace?

Tuning In to Hear God’s Voice

God desires to communicate with His children. Jesus affirmed, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). The Shepherd is still speaking—are you attuned to His voice?

Some Christians fear that hearing from God might be seen as a substitute for, or addition to, the Bible. Since the Bible is considered the final and complete revelation of God, any expectation of hearing from Him beyond its words is often deemed inappropriate. This perspective, however, overlooks the scriptural evidence of various methods through which God communicates, which we will explore further.

Others are hesitant to follow what they perceive as divine guidance due to past abuses by individuals claiming to hear from God. Some misuse this claim to evade personal responsibility or to manipulate others, saying things like, “God told me to tell you this” or “God directed us to do it this way.” There are also well-meaning believers still learning to discern God’s voice from their own.

I recall an incident from a church where the pastor was eventually removed amidst controversy. When I inquired about the initial decision to hire him, an elder explained, “He told us God said he was supposed to be our pastor.” This claim swayed the congregation to vote in his favor, despite known shortcomings, leading to a disastrous outcome and much disillusionment. It underscored the need for discernment: How does one truly know when they hear from God?

In reaction to such abuses, some Christians avoid seeking God’s voice, feeling that the Holy Spirit’s promptings challenge human logic and convention. Accustomed to making well-reasoned decisions, they are uneasy with the supernatural elements of faith, resulting in an experience of Christianity that is intellectual, predictable, and often disconnected from the present moment.

For those who acknowledge that God still speaks today, there’s considerable confusion. If God communicates, why does He often seem silent? How can one be sure it’s His voice and not just imagination? The next section aims to clarify how we can better hear God’s voice.

God can speak to anyone, anytime, and through any means He chooses, even through unexpected sources like Balaam’s donkey in Numbers 22:20–28. However, Scripture outlines principles that prepare us to hear His voice more clearly. Here are five basic prerequisites commonly found among those who regularly hear from God:

We Must Recognize the Importance of Seeking God’s Voice

To truly hear God’s voice, we must first be convinced of its importance. Those who listen to God understand that this is the essence of the Christian life as designed by Him. Romans 8:14 states, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” Our spiritual and personal growth hinges on receiving and acting upon His guidance. Only by hearing and following His voice can we stay aligned with His will, experiencing all He has for us. Jesus invites, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me” (Revelation 3:20). The Holy Spirit is eager to lead and guide us towards paths that glorify the Father and are fruitful for us, but we must be listening to know where He leads. Jesus promised, “He will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13), yet this guidance is only effective when we are attuned to His promptings.

We Must Commit to Obeying God’s Voice

Hearing God’s voice requires a commitment to obey it. How can we expect further revelation if we ignore what He has already made clear through His Word? Living according to His commands is essential for discerning His will. Sin can create a barrier, disconnecting us from His voice. Personal repentance is necessary to restore clear communication. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2). We must acknowledge that following God’s guidance is the only “good move.” Jesus teaches, “The sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out… they follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:3-4). The Greek word for “hear,” akouo, suggests not just auditory perception but a readiness to be transformed by what is heard (Hayford 2001). If we do not act on the Holy Spirit’s leading, there’s little reason for Him to continue speaking.

We Must Stop Long Enough to Hear God’s Voice

Many Christians don’t hear God’s voice because they don’t pause long enough to listen. Our culture demands instant responses, filling every moment with activity – we check our phones constantly whether driving or dining. We’ve lost the art of reflection, the quiet necessary to hear the “still, small voice” of God (1 Kings 19:12). Where does God’s voice fit into our chaotic lives if we never slow down? We must deliberately schedule times of silence to allow for divine communication. Just as a child might claim not to hear clear instructions, we too can miss God’s commands if we don’t truly listen. We need to cultivate a lifestyle that includes moments of stillness, where we can say with Samuel, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9).

We Must Learn to Recognize God’s Voice

Sometimes, we fail to recognize God’s voice because we’re not familiar with it. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice” (John 10:27). We must spend time with the Shepherd to recognize His voice amidst life’s clamor. Those who only seek God in crises might struggle to identify His voice when they need it most. Jesus Himself would withdraw to solitary places to better hear His Father’s will (e.g., Matthew 4:1-11; 14:23; Luke 6:12). Recognizing His voice comes from actively listening for it. This story illustrates this: “A zoologist was walking down a busy city street with a friend. Amid the honking horns and screeching tires, he exclaimed to his friend, “Listen to that cricket!” The friend looked at the zoologist in astonishment and asked, “You hear a cricket in the middle of all this noise and confusion?” Without a word, the zoologist reached into his pocket, took out a coin, and flipped it into the air. As it clinked on the sidewalk, a dozen heads turned in response. The zoologist said quietly to his friend, “We hear what we listen for.” Are you listening for God’s voice in the noise of life? Recognizing it is key to receiving His guidance.

We Must Anticipate Hearing God’s Voice

To hear God’s voice, we must expect Him to speak to us. We should work on attuning our hearing, having “ears to hear.” Be intentional about listening for God. Ask, “Lord, if You could say anything to me right now, what would You say?” Keep a journal handy to record any thoughts that come to mind. When you sense God speaking, note down what He says and seek ways to apply it. Write down the words, phrases, or scriptures you feel you’ve heard, and carry them with you throughout your day.

If you don’t hear anything, don’t stress; simply enjoy the quiet. Rest in the assurance of God’s presence, learning to be content with Him, with or without specific messages or insights.

Avenues God Uses to Speak to Us

God has communicated with humans since the dawn of time, both directly and indirectly. While I’ve often wished for dramatic signs like the “writing on the wall” for Belshazzar (Daniel 5) or Moses’s “burning bush” (Exodus 3), God usually speaks in more subtle ways. So, how does God communicate with us? Hearing His voice is not as elusive as it might seem. Here are some ways God speaks to us today:

God Speaks through the Word

The primary means for hearing God is the Bible, His written revelation. Scripture is not just for information, analysis, or education; it’s a living Word that God uses to teach, correct, lead, and protect. As we engage with Scripture, the Holy Spirit often imparts thoughts or insights that feel divinely inspired.

The Bible provides foundational principles for living a life pleasing to God, and the Holy Spirit uses it to transform our hearts. To regularly hear God’s voice, one must be a committed student of the Word. Expecting to hear from God without regular engagement with Scripture is not only irresponsible but also opens one up to misleading voices. Those who desire to follow the Spirit yet neglect the Word and prayer are setting themselves up for deception.

God Speaks Through a Still, Small Voice

• Inner Promptings
  God often communicates quietly, through gentle whispers in our hearts and minds, giving us an inner sense of direction, intuition, or warning (1 Kings 19:12; Isaiah 30:21; Acts 10:9–12; Ephesians 1:17–23). These might come as memories, scriptures, or thoughts about others in need. If these promptings are from God, they will grow stronger until followed, but if ignored, God may redirect His message elsewhere.
• Moral Conscience
  Part of this “still, small voice” is our conscience. God speaks through our innate sense of morality, guiding us towards right and away from wrong (Romans 2:14–15; 9:1). The Holy Spirit convicts of sin and confirms righteousness (John 16:7–11), providing or removing peace from our conscience to indicate our alignment with His will. Ignoring this moral compass can lead to a hardening of heart, making it increasingly difficult to hear from God.

Enhancing our sensitivity to this voice involves two key practices: first, a deep familiarity with God’s standards in the Bible, which aids in recalling His guidance when needed; second, spending time in God’s presence, which refines our sensitivity to our own actions and attitudes that might not align with His heart.

Sometimes God Speaks Through Natural Means

God can communicate with us through various natural avenues, including people, circumstances, experiences, and the very fabric of creation.

People

God often speaks to us through others, particularly through wise spiritual mentors. This can occur in sermons, teachings, or everyday conversations. The Bible underscores the importance of godly counsel: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed… how good is a timely word!” (Proverbs 15:22–23). When someone delivers a message from God, it can illuminate our path like a light in darkness. While we must primarily seek guidance from God Himself, we should also heed the wisdom or confirmation that comes through fellow believers.

Creation

God’s voice can be heard through the wonders of His creation. As Scripture states, the heavens declare His glory, making His existence evident to all (Psalm 19:1–6; Romans 1:20). Nature itself speaks of God’s power. From the rainbow as a sign of His covenant with Noah, to the dew on Gideon’s fleece, to the withering of the fig tree, and even the calming of storms, God has used natural phenomena to communicate. If we take the time to observe, we might find God speaking through His creation in ways we hadn’t anticipated.

Circumstances

Life’s circumstances, including financial situations, relationships, and educational opportunities, can also be God’s way of guiding us. He might open or close doors through these means. However, interpreting circumstances requires caution; hardship does not necessarily mean we’re outside of God’s will. Reflect on the book of Acts; the apostles faced numerous adversities, yet they were precisely where God wanted them. Sometimes, opposition is a sign we’re on the right path. Remember, if God opens a door, no one can shut it (1 Corinthians 16:9).

Spiritual Experiences

God can also communicate through distinct spiritual experiences. These might occur during prayer, at an altar call, or upon responding to His call for salvation. I personally experienced this when God called me into full-time ministry while I was praying in my kitchen, praising God while listening to a CeCe Winans praise and worship song, and again when I felt directed to move over 1,000 miles from South Louisiana to Pittsburgh, PA. Such moments become pivotal, marking significant shifts in our lives.

Here’s a “Word of Encouragement” (WOE) my mother wrote for me:

WOE (2015-07-15)

Deliberate Steps~

Rarely from now on will you look back to see how you got from there to here.
I will take you step-by-step.
You will take deliberate steps to get where I lead you.
Yes, deliberate steps, ordered by My Spirit, will take you to where I desire you to be.
So, follow My Voice; take the steps.
Deliberate steps bring joy along a peaceful journey.
Deliberate steps build strength for the destination.
Deliberate steps take you along paths with refreshing waters
And with shade as a resting place.

God Uses Natural Things to Reveal Himself to Us

Many Christians expect God’s communication to be strictly spiritual, but these examples show that He often uses natural means to reveal Himself. Begin to listen and watch for God to speak or reveal Himself powerfully in every aspect of life (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Sometimes God Speaks through Supernatural Means

God occasionally communicates with us through what we might call supernatural revelation. The Bible is replete with instances where God spoke through signs, wonders, and prophetic promptings by the Holy Spirit, serving as powerful affirmations of His presence and power (2 Kings 2:15; Acts 13:12; 1 Corinthians 14:5, 22–26).

Gifts of the Spirit

One avenue of supernatural revelation is the gifts of the Spirit. God might convey His messages through prophecy, interpretation of tongues, or words of wisdom. “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy” (Joel 2:28). Prophetic words should align with scripture, enhancing our understanding of God’s will, and serve to strengthen, encourage, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). Personal prophecy should resonate with what is already in one’s heart, confirming rather than contradicting personal convictions.

Dreams and Visions

Another form of supernatural revelation includes dreams and visions. Joel 2:28 declares, “Your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” Biblical narratives are filled with examples where God used dreams and visions to communicate; for instance, Joseph interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 40–41), or God guiding Joseph, Jesus’s earthly father, through dreams (Matthew 1:20; 2:12–13).

Today, as shared by a missionary in a closed country, dreams can still guide individuals, sometimes even saving lives from persecution. If you experience a notably vivid dream, consider whether God might be speaking through it. Visions, unlike dreams, occur while awake, as seen with Paul’s conversion and subsequent guidance (Acts 9:1–12, 16:9–10), or Peter’s vision about clean and unclean foods (Acts 10:9–23).

Angels

In biblical accounts, dreams and visions often include angelic appearances, either as messengers or helpers. Angels appeared to Joseph (Matthew 1:20; 2:13), Zechariah (Luke 1:11), and Paul (Acts 27:23–24), among others. While personal testimonies of such encounters are less common today, we should not dismiss this method of divine communication outright.

Enhancing our sensitivity to this voice involves two key practices: first, a deep familiarity with God’s standards in the Bible, which aids in recalling His guidance when needed; second, spending time in God’s presence, which refines our sensitivity to our own actions and attitudes that might not align with His heart.

Sometimes God Speaks Through Natural Means

God can communicate with us through various natural avenues, including people, circumstances, experiences, and the very fabric of creation.

People

God often speaks to us through others, particularly through wise spiritual mentors. This can occur in sermons, teachings, or everyday conversations. The Bible underscores the importance of godly counsel: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed… how good is a timely word!” (Proverbs 15:22–23). When someone delivers a message from God, it can illuminate our path like a light in darkness. While we must primarily seek guidance from God Himself, we should also heed the wisdom or confirmation that comes through fellow believers.

Creation

God’s voice can be heard through the wonders of His creation. As Scripture states, the heavens declare His glory, making His existence evident to all (Psalm 19:1–6; Romans 1:20). Nature itself speaks of God’s power. From the rainbow as a sign of His covenant with Noah, to the dew on Gideon’s fleece, to the withering of the fig tree, and even the calming of storms, God has used natural phenomena to communicate. If we take the time to observe, we might find God speaking through His creation in ways we hadn’t anticipated.

Circumstances

Life’s circumstances, including financial situations, relationships, and educational opportunities, can also be God’s way of guiding us. He might open or close doors through these means. However, interpreting circumstances requires caution; hardship does not necessarily mean we’re outside of God’s will. Reflect on the book of Acts; the apostles faced numerous adversities, yet they were precisely where God wanted them. Sometimes, opposition is a sign we’re on the right path. Remember, if God opens a door, no one can shut it (1 Corinthians 16:9).

Spiritual Experiences

God can also communicate through distinct spiritual experiences. These might occur during prayer, at an altar call, or upon responding to His call for salvation. I personally experienced this when God called me into full-time ministry while I was praying in my kitchen, praising God while listening to a CeCe Winans praise and worship song, and again when I felt directed to move over 1,000 miles from South Louisiana to Pittsburgh, PA. Such moments become pivotal, marking significant shifts in our lives.

Here’s a “Word of Encouragement” (WOE) my mother wrote for me:

WOE (2015-07-15)

Deliberate Steps~

Rarely from now on will you look back to see how you got from there to here.
I will take you step-by-step.
You will take deliberate steps to get where I lead you.
Yes, deliberate steps, ordered by My Spirit, will take you to where I desire you to be.
So, follow My Voice; take the steps.
Deliberate steps bring joy along a peaceful journey.
Deliberate steps build strength for the destination.
Deliberate steps take you along paths with refreshing waters
And with shade as a resting place.

God Uses Natural Things to Reveal Himself to Us

Many Christians expect God’s communication to be strictly spiritual, but these examples show that He often uses natural means to reveal Himself. Begin to listen and watch for God to speak or reveal Himself powerfully in every aspect of life (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Sometimes God Speaks through Supernatural Means

God occasionally communicates with us through what we might call supernatural revelation. The Bible is replete with instances where God spoke through signs, wonders, and prophetic promptings by the Holy Spirit, serving as powerful affirmations of His presence and power (2 Kings 2:15; Acts 13:12; 1 Corinthians 14:5, 22–26).

Gifts of the Spirit

One avenue of supernatural revelation is the gifts of the Spirit. God might convey His messages through prophecy, interpretation of tongues, or words of wisdom. “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy” (Joel 2:28). Prophetic words should align with scripture, enhancing our understanding of God’s will, and serve to strengthen, encourage, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). Personal prophecy should resonate with what is already in one’s heart, confirming rather than contradicting personal convictions.

Dreams and Visions

Another form of supernatural revelation includes dreams and visions. Joel 2:28 declares, “Your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” Biblical narratives are filled with examples where God used dreams and visions to communicate; for instance, Joseph interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 40–41), or God guiding Joseph, Jesus’s earthly father, through dreams (Matthew 1:20; 2:12–13).

Today, as shared by a missionary in a closed country, dreams can still guide individuals, sometimes even saving lives from persecution. If you experience a notably vivid dream, consider whether God might be speaking through it. Visions, unlike dreams, occur while awake, as seen with Paul’s conversion and subsequent guidance (Acts 9:1–12, 16:9–10), or Peter’s vision about clean and unclean foods (Acts 10:9–23).

Angels

In biblical accounts, dreams and visions often include angelic appearances, either as messengers or helpers. Angels appeared to Joseph (Matthew 1:20; 2:13), Zechariah (Luke 1:11), and Paul (Acts 27:23–24), among others. While personal testimonies of such encounters are less common today, we should not dismiss this method of divine communication outright.

• Alignment with Scripture: Supernatural guidance must be consistent with the Bible. We should evaluate such messages critically, as human fallibility can lead to misinterpretations.
• Confirmation of Existing Convictions: Supernatural guidance should affirm what God has already been speaking into your life. Be wary of acting solely based on another’s claim to have a message from God for you.
• Personal Responsibility: While God can confirm His will through others, each believer must seek God personally and not rely solely on external supernatural signs.

Humility and caution are key for those who believe they’ve received a message for someone else. Instead of declaring “The Lord told me to tell you,” it’s wiser to approach it as a suggestion, letting the person discern with God.

Sometimes God Speaks by Giving Us a Desire to Do His Will

Contrary to the belief that personal desires are inherently contrary to God’s will, scripture suggests otherwise. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). As we align with God, our desires can become His desires, with our wills aligning with His (Philippians 2:13). As intimacy with God grows, our desires merge with His, enabling freedom in following our sanctified desires while remaining open to His redirection.

Tests to Determine If God Is Speaking

To ensure we’re hearing from God:

• It Will Line Up with the Word: Any leading should be consistent with God’s character and teachings in scripture.
• Godly Counsel Will Confirm It: Seek affirmation from spiritually mature individuals.
• You Will Have Peace About Doing It: True guidance from God brings peace, even amid trials (Isaiah 26:3).
• It Calls Us to Service: Divine leadings often involve sacrifice or service, not merely self-promotion.
• It Will Stand the Test of Time: Over time, God confirms His leading through continued peace, circumstances, or spiritual growth.
• God Will Give You the Ability to Achieve It: God equips those He calls, often aligning His guidance with our gifts and talents.
• God Will Be Glorified by It: The outcome should glorify God, promoting faith, character growth, and the fruit of the Spirit.

Speak Lord, Your Servant Is Listening

The fear of false guidance should not paralyze us from listening to the Holy Spirit. An authentic Christian life is dynamic, involving listening, testing, discerning, and obeying. When various signs of guidance converge—Scripture, counsel, circumstances, and personal conviction—we can move forward with confidence, expecting to hear God’s voice.