How to KNOW You're Hearing God's Voice

The topic of today's post is one with which I wrestled for years. Finally the lights came on and I realized from the Word: The vast majority of the time God does not speak in an audible voice or out of a burning bush.

"Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice." 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NKJV)

God speaks to us through six primary means:

(1) Scripture as we study the Word aloud. This occurs when we take the time to savor the Word like we would a fine steak, biting off pieces and chewing them over in our minds. Hearing ourselves reading the Word drives it past our minds and into our spirits. The Bible truly is His love letter to His children.

(2) An inner witness to your spirit. You are hearing His voice, yet not audibly through your ears.

(3) To your soul from someone else. This can be a preacher, teacher, song... the list goes on and on.

(4) Through dreams and visions. This is far more common than most would realize.

(5) Through the "chain of command." The Father speaks to the Son (Jesus), Who speaks to the Holy Spirit here on earth (Who lives inside of every true believer and follower of Christ), Who passes it along to us.

(6) Audibly in your ear. This is less common. The voice will not sound like your own.

In each instance what you hear will resonate within your own spirit. Along with it you will have a sense of peace and joy. At no time will what you hear run contrary to the preponderance of Scripture taken in context. "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God." 1 John 4:1-3 (NKJV)

Often He will call upon you to say or do something out of character for you, something you would not normally think of on your own. Yet if you set out to do it, He will provide all you need to "git 'er done," and will reward you for your obedience. This part has always amazed me: He gives you the inspiration and guidance; He makes the provisions; He provides the opportunities; He works things out on the other end to make for the reception; He provides the results; and He rewards you for showing up and getting on with it. How great is that?!

For those who want an in-depth understanding, I encourage you to go to www.flcbranson.org. There you can order for free or download Keith Moore's ten message series "My Sheep Hear My Voice" on DvD. He also discusses the things that can block us from hearing what the Lord is saying to us.