How Does God Speak?

There are many ways that God speaks to us.  A few weeks ago I wrote on being led by the Holy Spirit but it occurred to me that it might be helpful if I how I hear God personally in my own life. The most obvious way to hear God is by reading his word, and then using his word as a map to navigate the journey of your life. However, I have found that it is much more difficult to hear God on those issues that are not “yes” or “no” questions. For example, it is fairly simple to hear God on questions like “Is it wrong for me to tell a small little lie?” The obvious answer is yes. “Should I have sex outside of marriage? Again, the obvious answer is “no.”  But what about the answer to open ended questions such as “What should I be doing now that I quit my job?” or “should I be dating this particular person?” Those are the questions that make it absolutely necessary to know how to hear from God.

The amazing thing about God is that he is so intimately involved with all the details of our life that he knows how to perfectly counsel us in every situation. He knows how to communicate with us personally because he knows what we need specifically to be reassured that we are making the right decision.  As I grow closer to God I experience him in different ways, these are just some of the ways he speaks to me.

The Absence of Peace- Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts…” These are words to live by. When I don't feel good about something I try not to do it. If it causes me anxiety or if I'm unsure- that is a NO for me. Often times we have feelings about things but feel that we don't have a good/valid reason to say no. The fact that you don't feel good about it is a valid reason. The Holy Spirit lives in you to counsel you always. Don't ignore him or the feeling that he gives you. If it is God, you will be at peace with the decision even if you don’t have it all figured out.

Feeling Moved- Sometimes when God is telling me to do something I’ll know it because it weighs on me heavily. I can't think about anything else but that thing. It stays with me and usually I go back in forth in my mind about doing it. When I finally submit to what I feel I am being compelled or moved to do, then the weight on me is lifted.

Indifference- One thing I know about God is when he wants me to do something he will make it abundantly clear to me. If I am debating on whether or not to take a particular opportunity such as a new job, I know that if I have no real feelings about it in one direction or another it is not for me. Whenever God intends for his people to do something, he will always make it clear if you ask him.

Learning how God speaks to you will take time and as you begin to hear him you will know when he is speaking. Ask God to make you aware of what the Holy Spirit is doing in your life. If you pay close attention you will see God in the details.