Key Takeaway
Hearing from God doesn't have to be difficult or complicated. He lays out a way for us to practically hear from Him personally and particularly through His word and community.
Does God still speak and can I hear His voice? Do you even want to hear God's voice?
We have good news: God is definitely speaking and definitely wants you to hear His voice.
How do we hear Him?
Plant Yourself in the Word of God: Hearing God’s voice starts with an intentional decision to root yourself in Scripture. Psalm 1:1-2 reminds us that those who know God’s Word deeply are the ones who hear His voice most clearly. The canon of Scripture is closed, but the Word is alive and active today.
Make It Personal: The Word is not just ink on a page, it's breath on a page. John 1:14 reminds us that the Word became flesh. Begin your time in the Word by saying, “God, I want to know You. Speak to me through Your Word right now. I am listening.”
Bring a Heart That Says “Yes”: Often, we approach God with a plan we’ve already made, hoping He will bless it. We search for verses to justify our agenda, but this doesn’t prepare us to hear His voice. Instead, decide to say “yes” to whatever God wants for you. As Samuel modeled in 1 Samuel 3, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
Process in Community: God gave us community for a reason. When you’re unsure of what God is saying, bring it to Him, His Word, and the community He has provided. Proverbs reminds us that there is wisdom in counsel. Ephesians 5:21 reminds us to be humble enough to be spoken into.
Look for the Particular: God speaks specifically to your situation. Just as Jesus was led by the Spirit and Scripture shows people being directed in unique ways, you can be led personally by God. While God rarely speaks audibly, He will speak particularly. Surrender to the Holy Spirit so you can recognize His guidance.
When you combine planting yourself in the Word, cultivating a personal relationship, saying “yes” to His plan, processing in community, and listening for the particular, you will learn to recognize God’s voice.
Need something practical? Here are 4 guidelines for listening to God
Be precise with your language. Instead of saying, “The Lord said to me,” say, “I sense the Lord” or “The Spirit is stirring.” This keeps you humble and ensures your words are weighted in Scripture.
Align with God’s Word. Nothing is equal to Scripture. If what you sense personally does not align with the Bible, it is not from God.
Act privately first. Process what you hear, obey it, and then decide whether to share. God wants obedience first, not public validation.
Guard your heart with messages from others. Filter what you hear through Scripture and discernment. Even if the message is not from God, you cannot “unhear” it—but you can evaluate it carefully.
When you plant yourself in the Word, surrender to the Spirit, and walk in obedience, you won’t just hear God, you’ll live a life guided, empowered, and transformed by Him.
Discussion Questions
What does Psalm 1:1-2 reveal about those who are deeply rooted in God’s Word?
Do you approach God with a plan already made, asking Him to bless it, or are you willing to say “yes” to whatever His plan is?
What are some ways we prematurely share what we think God is telling us before fully processing it?
1. Do you struggle to hear from God? When you think it’s Him speaking, what doubts or questions come up?
3. When you pray and meditate on Scripture, what is your heart truly seeking, according to John 1:14?
5. Why is it crucial to ensure that what you believe God is saying aligns with Scripture?
7. What is one thing you desire to hear from God today?
