“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 (ESV)
In a world filled with constant noise, distractions and demands, hearing from God has never been more crucial. Scripture teaches us that God is not silent; God speaks through God’s Word, God’s Spirit and God’s creation. Yet, many struggle to discern God’s voice amidst the clamor of daily life. This reflection unpacks the ways God communicates, why hearing from God is foundational to our faith and practical steps to open our ears and hearts to God’s voice.
John 10:27 provides the foundation for understanding our relationship with God as one based on intimacy and responsiveness. Jesus uses the imagery of a shepherd and his sheep to illustrate how personal and direct God’s communication with us is. Just as sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd, believers are called to recognize and respond to the voice of God. In this context, “hearing” isn’t simply auditory; it implies understanding, trust and obedience.
Theologians like A.W. Tozer emphasized that God is always seeking to communicate with us, but our ability to hear depends on our spiritual posture. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in “The Cost of Discipleship,” wrote about the importance of quietness and solitude for discerning God’s will. Similarly, Henri Nouwen taught that hearing from God requires surrender and a willingness to follow.
Here are three practical ways we can hear from God:
- Engage deeply in Scripture. Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s Word is the primary way God speaks to us. Through regular Bible study, we attune our hearts to God’s language and character, making it easier to recognize God’s voice in daily life. Therefore, dedicate time each day to read and meditate on Scripture, allowing it to shape your understanding of God’s voice.
- Pray with expectation and listen. Jeremiah 33:3 — “Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Prayer is a two-way conversation. While we often focus on speaking, we must also practice listening in prayer, allowing space for God to respond. Set aside moments of silence after praying, asking God to reveal His guidance or reassurance.
- Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance. John 14:26 — “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” The Holy Spirit is our teacher and guide. Through Him, we receive insights, conviction, and encouragement from God. Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify God’s words and direction in your life, trusting in the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance. God often speaks through promptings or nudges in our hearts. However, these must align with Scripture. Obedience sharpens our hearing, making it easier to discern God’s voice. When you sense a prompting, act in faith, but also verify that it aligns with God’s Word and character.
Hearing from God is not an elusive mystery; it is the foundation of our walk with God. God desires to guide, comfort and lead us. Like the sheep who know the voice of their shepherd, we are called to listen and follow, trusting that God speaks to us continually. By engaging in these practices, we can cultivate a sensitive and responsive heart, attuned to God’s whispers, nudges and guidance for our lives.
Dr. Preston T. Adams, III is the founding and senior pastor at Amazing Grace Christian Church in Indianapolis. He can be found on X at @DrPrestonTAdams.
