When he has brought his own sheep outside, he walks on before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.

John 10:4 (AMPC)

Who can hear from God? Does He only speak to the spiritually elite among us, or can every believer have a conversational relationship with Him? I spent many years practicing Christianity without ever being taught that I could hear from God. I talked to Him, mostly when I needed something, but it never occurred to me that He might want to say something back.

Thankfully, I have since learned that we can and should hear from God. He has no desire to give us minute-by-minute instructions about every choice we make, but He speaks to us regularly and we need to expect to hear Him. Education is vital in any area, and especially so in this one. I have read several books on the subject, and I have also written one, but I am reading another right now because of how important it is.

God, of course, speaks through His Word. The Bible is God speaking to us! He speaks through circumstances, people, peace, wisdom, and nature, just to mention a few of the ways we can learn to perceive what He is saying. We don’t normally hear God with our natural ears; we hear Him in our spirit through the still, small voice. We may discern, perceive, or know with certainty what God is communicating to us and yet not hear a voice. Or, if we do hear words, they often sound like our own voice because our mind is interpreting what our spirit knows.

If this is a new thought for you, I encourage you to study diligently in this area. There are people who do ridiculous and even wicked things claiming that God has told them to do so, but we should not let their sinful behavior frighten us and keep us from a wonderful privilege that is available to us. Learning to listen is the first rule of hearing. When you talk to God today, take a little time and listen. Let Him comfort you, sense His peace, and hear Him tell you that He loves you greatly.

Prayer of the Day: Father, I am sorry that I have spent so little time listening to You. I want to hear from You, and I believe it is Your will for me to do so. Teach me in this area. I am eager to learn, amen.

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