Hearing the Voice of God: Posture matters

Experiencing the voice of God is a profoundly enriching encounter, as it provides guidance during moments of confusion or uncertainty. Paradoxically, a significant number of Christians perceive the ability to hear God’s voice as exclusive to certain individuals, such as priests, pastors, prophets, or those deemed highly spiritual. The expansion of religious beliefs has contributed to the notion that “hearing the voice of God” is a spiritual phenomenon reserved for those who have reached a specific level of spiritual maturity. Today, I aim to dispel this misconception and instill in you the assurance that you, too, can experience the voice of God. Let us delve into this topic.

Our earlier discussions have thoroughly examined the significance of cultivating a loving relationship with God in order to discern His voice, as well as the necessity of fostering a close connection with Him through the study of His Word and prayer. These foundational principles are essential for hearing God’s voice; however, they will only be effective when we establish unwavering confidence in our ability to perceive His voice, which should be as natural for every Christian as the alphabet. Remarkably, God is more eager to communicate with us than we often realize. The challenge lies in our lack of confidence in recognizing His voice and the various means through which He may speak to us.

Consider the biblical account of Samuel (1 Samuel 3). Samuel was a young boy dedicated to God by his mother from birth, serving in the temple under the guidance of Eli the priest. Eli’s sons had sinned against God, and Eli’s inaction led to God’s displeasure, prompting Him to seek a new priest for Israel. Despite Samuel’s active service in the temple, he was not familiar with God’s voice, likely due to his limited exposure. The scripture notes that during that period, messages from the Lord were very rare, and visions were not common. God primarily communicated with priests and prophets, who then relayed His messages to the people, which may explain Samuel’s uncertainty about hearing God’s voice himself. The narrative illustrates that each time God called Samuel, he mistakenly believed it was Eli calling him, until Eli guided him to recognize and respond to God’s voice, facilitating his ability to hear it clearly.

What insights can we derive from this story regarding the process of hearing God’s voice?

• God desires to communicate with us, even when we may feel unworthy to receive His message. His voice is available to all.
• The condition of our hearts plays a crucial role in perceiving God’s voice. He is inclined to speak to those who are open to His guidance. It is unrealistic to anticipate hearing from God while engaging in rebellious behavior.

Reflecting on the Old Testament, we observe that God spoke directly to Moses and Joshua; however, His voice became infrequent during the three centuries of Israel’s governance by judges. During the era of Eli, the absence of prophetic messages to Israel likely stemmed from the people’s defiance. The actions of Eli’s sons illustrate their unwillingness to heed God’s word, allowing their greed to obstruct their communication with Him.

• God’s communication is not determined by one’s status but rather by one’s faith.

One might have expected God to deliver a message to Eli, a seasoned leader, rather than to the young Samuel. However, God’s hierarchy is founded on faith, not age or authority. He seeks devoted followers who are ready to fulfill His will, enabling Him to speak to anyone at any moment.

• Our willingness to respond is essential for hearing God’s voice.

Effective communication in any relationship relies on both listening and responding. When Samuel first encountered God’s voice, he replied, “Here I am, Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” This response reflects a heart eager to engage, encouraging further communication. However, we should not solely anticipate an audible voice, like Samuel’s case as God communicates with His children in various ways (which will be explored in future discussions). It is important to recognize the existence of God’s voice, which is accessible to all, and to cultivate a desire to hear it.

• Physical positioning is significant.

In Samuel’s experience, he perceived the voice during the night while everyone else was asleep. This does not imply that God communicates solely at night; rather, the night serves as a metaphor for a period when external distractions are minimized. To discern the voice of God, it is essential to maintain a tranquil state of mind. Whether during Bible study or prayer, seek a serene environment. Even in a bustling setting, cultivate inner calmness, and you will be able to perceive His voice. When surrounded by numerous competing sounds, it becomes increasingly challenging to recognize God’s voice.

Ultimately, have faith that you too can hear God for yourself. If a pastor or another individual conveys a message from the Lord, it should typically resonate as a confirmation of what God has already begun to communicate to you. As stated in John 10:27, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”