Dear Church,
God designed us to hear His voice. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). He is always speaking, but we must learn to listen. We live in a world filled with noise and distractions, especially media, which is not a reliable channel to hear God’s voice. Instead, let’s focus on these seven primary ways God speaks:
First: Through the Bible: Reading the Bible regularly is the primary way to recognize God’s voice and understand His will. Brother, Jeff’s Sunday School class provides practical tools and principles to make Bible reading a life-giving habit. I would encourage the entire church to attend this.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
Second: Through Godly Teachers and Pastors: Have you ever felt like a sermon spoke directly to you? That’s God speaking through faithful teachers who align their message with Scripture.
“We do not speak in words taught by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13).
“He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:11–12).
Third: Through Other Christians: God can speak through any believer, including you! When we stay close to Him and learn His Word, He may use us to share a message or encouragement with someone else.
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).
Fourth: Through Our Circumstances and Pain: This isn’t always our favorite way to hear God and learn, but God can use hardships to shape us and reveal His will. He never wastes a hurt!
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2).
Fifth: Through Worship: When we genuinely worship, whether in song, prayer, or simply adoration we open our hearts to hear from the Holy Spirit. Worship tunes our hearts to God’s frequency.
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)
Sixth: Through Quiet Contemplation: This is one of my favorite ways I listen to God. In the stillness, God often speaks to us in a gentle whisper. Setting aside time for silence and reflection helps us recognize His voice more clearly.
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
“After the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire the sound of a low whisper.” (1 Kings 19:12)
Seventh: Through prayer: Prayer is one of the most powerful ways to communicate with God. It’s not only about asking for help, but also a time to listen, to receive guidance, and to deepen our relationship with Him.
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:18)
Let Immanuel be a church that hears God’s voice, that desires communion with Him. Let’s commit to quieten our hearts and minds, tuning out the noise of the world!
Be Encouraged,
Mathews
