Hearing Him

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)

How do we hear from God?

I know many people who struggle with wanting to hear something from God especially when they are looking for an answer or direction. Some people claim to hear an audible word spoken to them. While I know God can do that if He desires, in our period of history it is rare. The main way God speaks to us today is through His Word.

I found these stats online: An English Bible has approximately 785,000 words in it. In comparison, a typical novel ranges in size up from about 65,000 words, and seldom exceeds 100,000 words. The total size of the Bible is often under-appreciated, due to it typically being printed in small type on thin sheets of paper. It mightn’t look like a huge book when on the shelf alongside other books, but in reality, it is about eight times larger than a typical novel.

So – that means we all have 785,000 words written to us by God – words he spoke to the through each of the authors. Each book with a different “style” because of their human hands and minds but with a common thread and theme through the entire book of His love for us and His plans for His creation which include his plans for you and your life.

If we are looking to hear His voice, then the Bible is our source. In fact for many things we are seeking an answer or direction for, , you likely already know the answer and it may be a matter of obedience.

So, does that mean you use the Bible like one of those magic 8 balls we used to have as kids? NO! You spend time in it daily. Find a good reading plan and devote 15-30 minutes in the morning to developing that habit. By saturating yourself with the Word daily you are building up a reserve of His Word in your spirit that will be available when you need it. You’ll see things come out of His word that speak to you and will provide you with what you are looking for. You can’t just flip through the bible expecting to randomly give you answers. God knows what you are looking for, and when you set your spirit on things above and spend time in the Word, you will be amazed at how relevant a particular passage speaks to you in your daily life.

Trust me – I’m not writing this as someone accomplished in this. I’ve had seasons of not spending time in the Word and being distracted by the things of the world. If the Lord tarries, I’m sure I’ll have more.

There are still some mornings that are a stuggle. The enemy knows the power in the Word and does his best to have us distracted. It is a battle with our flesh and the enemy when we try to establish the habit of daily bible reading. Suddenly there are a million projects that feel like you need to start working on them right at that moment.

Quiet your spirit and tell yourself that taking a few moments to start your day will not throw all that off schedule. Remember how they say “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” – well I’m saying that spending specific daily time in the Word is the most important meal of the day for your heart, mind and spirit.

You can’t be frustrated with not hearing from God if you are ignoring the massive amount of words He spoke to ages ago, knowing exactly what YOU need to read and hear today. If you’re not spending time in the Word then it isn’t that God isn’t speaking, it’s that you aren’t listening.

If you are looking for a simple way to start your day, I use the online Oswald Chambers at utmost.org. At the end of every daily reading is a link to a bible in a year plan with short reading selections from the Old and New Testament. There are plenty of other online devotionals and daily reading plans out there – find one that works for you. Don’t put off getting this started. Time is short and God is waiting to speak to you!