More thoughts on being able to hear God’s Voice clearly.

I have written before (“Many are Called, Few Chosen!“) concerning the dynamics of being able to hear God’s voice more clearly, and yet it still remains to be an issue with so many.

There still seems to be a great need among some of us how this can be done so that the other voices around and even within us, can be distinguished more clearly, and we can arrive at a better way of knowing.

Many times before I have brought up the scriptures of the young Samuel hearing God’s voice speak to him while in the service of the priest Eli, and while this is an important example, as I believe there are still many unanswered questions that some have.

I have used the examples of Elijah in the cave and finally hearing the still, small voice of God in the midst of the earthquake, the fire, and the other elements around him.

Surely the aspect of the anointing is an important ingredient in knowing that the presence of God is there, and when the LORD speaks to one when the anointing is present, then they can be assured that this is indeed God’s voice speaking to them.

And yet, there are still unanswered questions and concerns that many still have.

Indeed, it is true that one needs to be able to distinguish between their own inner voice, that of the enemy’s, and that of the Holy Spirit.

For without discernment, then the many voices can fill a person with confusion.

But it is a very subtle thing and it isn’t something that one arrives at by just attending a class, or simply sitting down and reading their Bible.

I believe that it surely does come with experience, and it is something that must be attended to daily. One grows in their ability to be able to hear the voice of God, and there is always more to be learned.

But here’s the thing: typically throughout the day God is speaking to us in our inner man, and we may well think that this voice is actually ours because it may well sound like a good idea, or it may be something that we need to attend to.

A voice like this can remind a person of their parent’s advice to them when they were growing up, or a teacher’s message to them about a matter.

You see, deep within us are reminders or remembrances of the voices of others who have spoken to us over a life time. And this voice may well sound like the voice of the Holy Spirit and yet it is not.

And then there is the voice of the enemy who comes to lure us and oftentimes to cause us to hurry up and do something quickly.

As we well know, he comes to tell us that we are horrible or that we could never measure up to being good. He is the father of lies and of confusion.

God says in His word that His sheep hear His voice so it is said in the scriptures, and yet many still don’t know for certain about these things:

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me,” John 10:27.

We have a deep chamber within us that is hollowed-out, and in this chamber resides our spirit.

We cannot see it for it is of the Spirit. Our spirit in some ways is like an antenna in how it picks up the sounds and voices around us and also within us.

Perhaps in some ways it is like a radio where one turns the dial and can listen to different types of music or programs.

And so, here again, we have an example of being able to ‘tune-in’ to the correct station, the one of the Holy Spirit.

The sound there will be one of peace and joy, and love. It will not confuse us, nor will it condemn. It will not tell us to hurry up and do this or that thing, but will be steady and compassionate in its inception to us.

He may or may not say our name to us when He speaks to us, but there is an ingredient in it that shows a deep knowing of us, and it signifies His love and assurance for us when He speaks.

It is for our good and not for anything that might steer us in the wrong direction.

It is true that the enemy cannot duplicate peace and when someone is making an important decision and they have a peace about it, then they can know that this was part of God’s plan for them.

Circumstances are an important ingredient in knowing if one is following God’s direction and yet there are times when the circumstances don’t always line-up as one would like, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it wasn’t God’s direction in the matter.

There are times when the Holy Spirit speaks to us and reminds us of certain important things and He also speaks of that which is to come, either for us personally, or for the future for the world.

We may look back and then remember those times when He had spoken many years ago, and now you see the unfolding of the plan that He has had for you.

This can give us great assurance and a deepening of our faith that He will surely continue to lead and direct us in the path that He has chosen for each of us.

Finally, I still think that there is more that can be said concerning the depths of being able to hear God’s voice clearly.

It’s like a deep pool that one can dive into and there are still so many different chambers that are yet to be discovered.

One can read a thousand books on this subject and still remain unclear about really knowing when God is speaking.

One can develop a deep knowledge and understanding of the Bible, and a fervent prayer life, and yet still not always be clear about being able to discern God’s voice.

It is not a mechanical thing like following certain steps in order to hear God’s voice. One doesn’t need to light the burner on the stove and heat up the soup in order to begin the process.

It isn’t a step-by-step process that is outlined in a book to be followed. And yet when one approaches God in prayer they are at first fervent and earnest in their longings to hear from Him.

So of course, this is important in being able to hear from Him. One doesn’t need to open up their Bible first assuming that now He will speak because I am now reading His word.

There aren’t certain rules to be followed; we can approach Him knocking on His door knowing that He will open that door. Ask, Seek, and Knock.

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened,” Matthew 7:7-8.

All can be able to hear God’s voice clearly.

One doesn’t need to be a priest or a special person, for we are all priests in His kingdom.

All are welcome. Seek Him above all else and in time you will be able to sift through the many voices and the door will be opened and you will be able to come in and dine with Him.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me,” Revelation 3:20.

 

Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson

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Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to the LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?

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