As followers of Jesus Christ, we are blessed with the opportunity to have a personal relationship with God. An essential part of this relationship is being able to hear and discern God’s voice. The Bible makes it clear that God desires to communicate with His people, and He uses a variety of methods to do so. Here are 4 ways you can expect God to speak to you:
1. Expressly Speaking Through Audible Voice, Dreams, and Prophetic Words
One of the clearest ways God speaks is through direct, supernatural communication. This can come in the form of an audible voice, a dream or vision, or a prophetic word. Throughout the Scriptures, we see examples of God speaking directly to His people in this way. For instance, God spoke audibly to Moses from the burning bush (Exodus 3), He gave dreams and visions to Joseph (Genesis 37, 40-41) and the apostle Peter (Acts 10), and He inspired prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel to deliver His messages.
Supernatural communication from God is still a valid way that He can choose to speak to us today. We must be discerning, however, and test any words or visions against the unchanging truth of Scripture (1 John 4:1).
2. The Path of Least Resistance: When One Option Stands Out
Sometimes, God will present us with a situation or opportunity that seems to be the only choice available, even though there may be other options. In these cases, we need to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and carefully examine whether this is truly God’s direction for us, or if we are making assumptions.
For example, a person may feel strongly led to apply for a certain job, even though there appear to be other viable options. As they seek God’s wisdom, He may confirm that this is the path He has for them, even if it doesn’t make complete logical sense. The peace and assurance they feel about this decision can be a sign that it is God’s will.
3. Something Can Suddenly Occur to You
Another way God speaks is by suddenly bringing something to our mind or attention. This can happen through a passage of Scripture that stands out, a thought or idea that seems to come out of nowhere, or even a conversation with someone that provides unexpected insight.
These “aha moments” can be the Holy Spirit illuminating truth or revealing a new direction. They often come when we are actively seeking God’s guidance, but sometimes they can also occur unexpectedly. The key is to be attentive and open to how God may be trying to speak to us in the moment.
4. God Can Order Your Steps into Things
Finally, God can speak through the circumstances and opportunities that He places in our lives. He orders our steps and opens and closes doors according to His perfect plan (Proverbs 16:9, Jeremiah 10:23). While some might dismiss them as chance, coincidences can be a way God directs our path. These seemingly random events can lead us to the right place at the right time. As we walk closely with the Lord, paying attention to His leading, we may find that He directs our paths in ways that align with His will, even if we don’t fully understand the reason at the time.
These “God-orchestrated” events and situations can be a clear indication of His voice and guidance, especially when they bring about a sense of peace, joy, and confirmation in our hearts.
In the book of 1 Samuel 9, Saul’s journey to meet the prophet Samuel begins with a seemingly mundane task: searching for his father’s lost donkeys. After an exhaustive search with no success, Saul’s servant suggests they consult a man of God in the nearby city who might be able to tell them where the donkeys are. This man of God is the prophet Samuel, renowned for his wisdom and divine insight. Despite Saul’s initial hesitation due to their lack of provisions to offer the prophet, the servant reassures him by suggesting they offer what little they have.
This pivotal moment—when the servant suggests seeking divine guidance—highlights how God often orders our steps through unexpected means and people. As they proceed to meet Samuel, it becomes clear that God had orchestrated these events, not just to find the donkeys, but to set Saul on the path to becoming the first king of Israel. This narrative underscores the profound truth that God can lead us through ordinary circumstances, guiding us towards His greater purposes for our lives.
The Hallmarks of God’s Guidance
As we seek to understand how God speaks to His people, it’s essential to recognize the hallmarks of His guidance. When God speaks, His voice will always:
- Agree with His Word: God’s guidance will never contradict Scripture, but will align with His character and principles (2 Timothy 3:16).
- Bring peace: God’s voice will bring a sense of peace, even in the midst of uncertainty or challenge (Philippians 4:7).
- Seem good to you: When God speaks, His guidance will resonate with your spirit, bringing a sense of clarity and direction (Acts 15:28, Psalm 37:4).
In conclusion, learning to hear God’s voice is a journey, but it’s one worth taking. By paying attention to the subtle ways He speaks, we can deepen our relationship with Him and experience the joy of following His will for our lives.