How do I hear God?

[Staxed]

I dedicated my life to Christ in January, but was raised in a Christian environment my whole life. So while I'm not brand new to it, I've been having one major issue that I can't get off my mind.

Lots of things I read, or advice I get talks about doing what God wants and what he tells me to do. My only problem with this is I don't know how to hear him?

I've tried being in complete silence, I read my bible and do devotions and prayer daily, etc. But, when I get ideas or thoughts about things I might need to do pertaining to life matters...a lot of times I wonder if it's God speaking to me or if I'm being selfish and wanting to do something but saying that God told me to do it.

How do I know when God is speaking to me?

 

[jacks]

I've always liked this verse about hearing God. Often we may hear the voice of God, but not recognize it because of all the other noise in our lives.

1 Kings 19:11-13 says,

"11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

 

[1watchman]

I don't go to the Old Testament to understand how a Christian in this day relates to the Savior. Getting alone with God (as Matt. 6:6-7) is important. Make Jesus Christ your object (see John 14:13 and 15:16). Honor the Father and the Son in all that you say, think, and do.

Our thoughts need to be put before the Lord as to whether this is just me or of Him. Ask Him to make it clear by conviction and circumstances if it is good; even asking God to close doors before you and open up a clear way. Always ask God to not let you go contrary to His mind, then proceed prayerfully and cautiously in what appears to be good and proper and honorable before God.

 

[Ace99]

Stacked dont worry This takes time, I have been a Christian nearly three years and all I know is that I don't know, I guess I have given up trying to figure out gods ways, he is too complicated for me but it's good because it means I have to be fully reliant on him, I have to cling to the fact that he loves me, there are many different ways god can speak to us here are a few of thousands, sometimes I have heard god speak through other speakers, like I've been thinking about something and they talked about in a sermon, or someone tells me something, and sometimes god reveals things in scriptures, also when I think about something that is on my mind, I put some worship music and sometimes he gives me a peace about something or it lays heavy on my heart, and I may cry. And of course there's prayer. I have never actually heard god speak to me audibly but one thing I do know Is god can use a million and one ways to speak to you, so just keep doing what your doing, and keep looking because god does speak to us but we have to be listening. God knows your looking for him and as you draw near to him, he will draw near to you. Don't give up, be in a good bible teaching church, read the word, pray to him, praise him, be honest with him, God Bless you, I pray that god will show himself to you and you will feel his peace that passes all understanding.

 

[asiyreh]

Our Father in heaven you are righteous and all holy.
The giver of gifts, all these come from you.
Allow brother Stacks to do your will and be forever in your Grace.
We pray our brother will be forgiven his unrighteousness and that you would make him a temple for your Holy Spirit.
Lord we ask that the promise of John 20:22 be upon our brother.

In Jesus's name we pray.

 

[singpeace]

I dedicated my life to Christ in January, but was raised in a Christian environment my whole life. So while I'm not brand new to it, I've been having one major issue that I can't get off my mind.

Lots of things I read, or advice I get talks about doing what God wants and what he tells me to do. My only problem with this is I don't know how to hear him?

I've tried being in complete silence, I read my bible and do devotions and prayer daily, etc. But, when I get ideas or thoughts about things I might need to do pertaining to life matters...a lot of times I wonder if it's God speaking to me or if I'm being selfish and wanting to do something but saying that God told me to do it.

How do I know when God is speaking to me?

Some common ways God talks to us:

His Word
Through reading God's Word, try to develop an understanding of who God is, and the way he does things. The Bible goes into a lot of detail about how you can expect God to react, what kinds of expectations he has for us, and most specifically, how he expects us to treat other people.

Other People
Sometimes God uses other people to try to get through to us. He can use anyone, but I believe more messages come from people who are practicing Christians.

Our Circumstances
Sometimes God teaches us by allowing circumstances in our life to lead us to and through the very thing we need to discover.

The Still Small Voice
Most of the time God uses a tiny voice - a whisper - inside us to let us know when we're not on the right path. I think of it as a green light for GO when I have peace; a yellow light for CAUTION when something just feels "off"; and a red light for STOP when I know not to make a certain move or say a certain thing. Overall, the most important thing to remember is that whenever you're contemplating something and you don't have peace about it, stop and wait. There's a reason you don't feel peace about it.

 

[Peripatetic]

singpeace offers great advice as usual. Couldn't have said it better!

The only thing I'll add is that we have to be careful not to confuse a negative inner voice that whispers condemnation. If you hear something like, "you are a bad person and don't deserve to be forgiven", it is not from God. One way to tell the difference is this:

Condemnation tears you down with doubt and says you are not worthy of God.

Conviction from the Holy Spirit builds you up like a loving parent or a good coach.

 

[tturt]

You've gotten some good advice. Also, you might want to read How to Hear from God in a Noisy World. Plus it contains exercises.

 

[parsley]

singpeace offers great advice as usual. Couldn't have said it better!

The only thing I'll add is that we have to be careful not to confuse a negative inner voice that whispers condemnation.

That's true, and common -- if you are open to hearing from quiet supernatural sources, other things pop in there too. Learning to discern takes patience and attention. And it's not necessarily something that one locks into place after a few years of successful discernment -- we always have to stay on our toes.

Both the Old and New Testaments are crucial for understanding who God is, how He interacts with people, and what He hopes for us. We have one God, who has not changed. His terms for forgiveness have changed with the new covenant.

The more of His Word you put in your brain and heart, the closer you will come to understanding what His will is, and what His voice sounds like. His Word will be anchored in your soul, and written on your heart.

When it comes to daily decisions, you might not always know. There are issues of sin vs. doing good, but so much neutral area in between. It is not a sin to go for a walk or attend a meeting, but there might be a point during those activities where we realize we are slipping.

Maybe someone asks us to take on leadership in an area we don't fully agree about. Or we slander someone when we're in a group of people who think similarly and get the adrenaline going with negative talk.

We need to be responsible and spiritually proactive in any situation. Stop the downhill conversations before they get into the muck. The more you treat each moment as an opportunity to serve Him, the more you will feel His Spirit well up in you.

Psalm 19
1 The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows His handiwork.
Day after day they pour forth speech, And night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech nor language, Where their voice is not heard. Their voice has gone out through all the earth, Their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, Like a strong man rejoicing to run his course.

His going forth is from the end of the heavens, His circuit to the ends of it; There is nothing hid from the heat of it.

The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul. The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart. The mitzvah of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb. http://new.studylight.org/desk/?q=ps 19:11&t=en_hnv&sr=1Moreover by them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive me from hidden errors. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright, I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, LORD, my rock, and my redeemer.

 

[PureDose]

I dedicated my life to Christ in January, but was raised in a Christian environment my whole life. So while I'm not brand new to it, I've been having one major issue that I can't get off my mind.

Lots of things I read, or advice I get talks about doing what God wants and what he tells me to do. My only problem with this is I don't know how to hear him?

I've tried being in complete silence, I read my bible and do devotions and prayer daily, etc. But, when I get ideas or thoughts about things I might need to do pertaining to life matters...a lot of times I wonder if it's God speaking to me or if I'm being selfish and wanting to do something but saying that God told me to do it.

How do I know when God is speaking to me?

What I find God generally tells me is what to believe, as opposed to "what to do".

What we do and say arises from what we believe, and I think it is wise of you to be very wary of what you tend to believe. "Selfish" or "not selfish" does seem to me to be a vague term, and that can be dangerous. "What you want to believe" is very often something to be wary of because "what one wants to believe" is often where we get stuck.

It may be "selfish" overall, but I mean, what is "it" specifically? What do you want to believe, and where do you think what you *want to believe* might conflict with what *the truth* is.

 

[asiyreh]

What you want to believe" is very often something to be wary of because "what one wants to believe" is often where we get stuck.

There's an old guy I work with, a Roman Catholic guy. I like to discuss theology with him from time to time.
He's well up the ladder in one of the lay organisations and often gives speeches to the order of something; maybe the order of The holy sacrament or something. Anyways whatever it is, he recons after his speeches he always burns his notes. I asked him why, he said how could he continue to learn if he always used the same lecture notes.

 

[ViaCrucis]

I dedicated my life to Christ in January, but was raised in a Christian environment my whole life. So while I'm not brand new to it, I've been having one major issue that I can't get off my mind.

Lots of things I read, or advice I get talks about doing what God wants and what he tells me to do. My only problem with this is I don't know how to hear him?

I've tried being in complete silence, I read my bible and do devotions and prayer daily, etc. But, when I get ideas or thoughts about things I might need to do pertaining to life matters...a lot of times I wonder if it's God speaking to me or if I'm being selfish and wanting to do something but saying that God told me to do it.

How do I know when God is speaking to me?

We hear God by receiving the Word He speaks to us in Scripture. The Word and Sacraments are where God meets us.

Sometimes God operates outside of these Means, but these are the exception not the norm.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[relate4ever]

Reading His Word!

 

[chilehed]

Concern yourself with doing good and avoiding evil in all things, which will get you 99% of the way there.

The answer to "am I called to be an engineer, a ski guide, a priest, or what?" will then likely be answered by doors opening where you expected none to be. Don't sweat it.

 

[LilLamb219]

We hear God by receiving the Word He speaks to us in Scripture. The Word and Sacraments are where God meets us.

-CryptoLutheran

Therein lies our assurance of how we hear God!

 

[Forge3]

I dedicated my life to Christ in January, but was raised in a Christian environment my whole life. So while I'm not brand new to it, I've been having one major issue that I can't get off my mind.

Lots of things I read, or advice I get talks about doing what God wants and what he tells me to do. My only problem with this is I don't know how to hear him?

I've tried being in complete silence, I read my bible and do devotions and prayer daily, etc. But, when I get ideas or thoughts about things I might need to do pertaining to life matters...a lot of times I wonder if it's God speaking to me or if I'm being selfish and wanting to do something but saying that God told me to do it.

How do I know when God is speaking to me?

When you get thoughts concerning things lift these up to God and ask if they are of His way. Then wait in inner silence for moments listening. God may respond to us in Listening may be responded to with audible voice or locutions, or insight shall come through others, and nature for the ways God chooses to speak with us is not limited to this or that way. And the time He chooses to speak with you are in His time. So be open and mindful of this day by day.


Discern the Spirits and know the voice of the Lord. It is known by the fruit is bares through those that bare themselves to Him. Also Humility as the smaller we become the greater God will appear. The beam of self-importance is taken from the eye known as the ego so that we see more clearly. And love more freely. Speak to God in your own words and feelings and wait.

 

[tbogunro]

I dedicated my life to Christ in January, but was raised in a Christian environment my whole life. So while I'm not brand new to it, I've been having one major issue that I can't get off my mind.

Lots of things I read, or advice I get talks about doing what God wants and what he tells me to do. My only problem with this is I don't know how to hear him?

I've tried being in complete silence, I read my bible and do devotions and prayer daily, etc. But, when I get ideas or thoughts about things I might need to do pertaining to life matters...a lot of times I wonder if it's God speaking to me or if I'm being selfish and wanting to do something but saying that God told me to do it.

How do I know when God is speaking to me?

I use to struggle with this but God has been constantly revealing to me how I can hear him. If you have received the holy spirit then 90% of your work is done lol. The spirit is God and he will speak to your heart! You might not hear a voice but have you ever been reading the bible and certain Scriptures jump at you or when your're doing something and felt like a random impression came in your heart not your mind. That is God! To hear God the best is when you're reading the bible and dont' put pressure on trying hard to hear, if God is in you I guarantee you might have been hearing and thought it was your thoughts but actually God speaking to you...the closer you get to God the more familier you get with his voice. Just ask God to help, make yourself available and God will do the rest. God speaking in your heart will sound like it's you because he's in you! If making decisions ask and begin reading Psalms and Proverbs and be patient till you finally get the answer in your heart. Remember God is the only one capable to speak in your heart! God speaks in multiple ways so just ask and seek and wait...it might be through someone or a circumstance. Keep developing a relationship and keep talking to God...remember the key to a good relationship is communication! Another advice the holy spirit is always more than willing to speak and guide you in fact so much that he does it daily even for your smallest tasks! We just don't do what he says most of the time...for example I could be watching tv and there are dishes that needs to be done then all off a sudden I feel in my heart to wash dishes but it's up to me to do it or not...other times I could be hungry and feel in my heart to have a certain food. I wasn't planning to eat that food but it just cane in my heart. These are just some examples of how much the spirit wants to be involved in every detail of how lives. Sometimes I will lose something and be searching for a while then again hear God say why don't you just ask me and I'll say holy spirit where is it and I keep searching then in a matter of seconds I find it lol. The spirit also guides you without you noticing so don't expect to hear a thundering voice saying "go this way" lol.

I guarantee you have heard God multiple times but just thought it was you and remember when God is speaking there is a sence of peace! The awesome part is that we will mess up but God says all things are for the good to those that love God, so even if you mess up confess that scripture and let God clean up after your mistake. Yes God is that awesome!!!!

 

[tbogunro]

Can't beloved I didn't mention this...your story is 99% similar to mine lol. Around January I too became more dedicated with God and I come from a family of pastors, deacons, and prophets. You have a very bright future and people forget that a lot of our desires are from God! You wanting to hear God better like I did and sometimes still thirst to hearing him better his God calling you! Trust me when I say that God is loving the fact you are seeking him and he is going to reward you more than you think! I've been there and another important note is seeking God's calling in your life also! You don't see it now but coming from the same situation God is obviously calling you to a deeper relationship with him, which means there is something BIG he's going to use you for! Take God preparing you seriously and always remember this is the most important do not try and prove yourself you will fail!!! Relax and let God be God! He will build you up, he will help you hear him better, he will lead you...let God be God...you just RELAX, praise him, SEEK him in his word, and just learn more about him. Your part is easy just do those and God will handle the rest!.

 

[tbogunro]

Listen to your CONSCIENCE!! That's the #1 way!! Conscience = The Spirit You!...and that's who the holy spirit talks to. God will guide you with his word, circumstances, and other godly people.

 

[asiyreh]

God's word acts as a filtration device for the advise Tbog is giving you above. If you hear anything contrary to scripture and you probably will; especially during the earlier stages of sanctification, then it is not from God.