How Can We Recognize the Voice of God?

The following is an excerpt from 4 Practical Ways to Discern the Voice of God by Meg Bucher on Crosswalk.com. 

What Does the Bible Say about Hearing & Discerning God's Voice?

“For the Word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” (Psalm 33:4)

By His word, He governs all things (Psalm 33:4; NIVSB Notes). His Truth is the “agent of His purpose” (Psalm 107:20; NIVSB Notes) and it is everlasting (Psalm 23:6).

God sends heavenly agents (Psalms 147:15) and speaks through our ministries here on earth. On the winds of His tone is the gift of salvation; God’s voice redeems us. God spoke audibly to create the world, and us! We hear Him because He is our Abba Father. Like sheep hear the shepherd’s voice so we hear Christ’s.

God spoke directly to Abraham, Moses, Noah, and countless others. However, He also employs His army of angels to deliver His word and establishes His truth in us through the divine inspiration and interpretation of the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus spoke on earth, it was the very voice of God! Jesus is the Word of God. His word is alive and active because Jesus lives. And now, He lives in us. Though it may not always be audible, we can know without a doubt God’s voice permeates the earth, our lives, and our souls.
...

Scriptures on Discernment

“Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” (Hosea 14:9)

“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.” (1 Corinthians 14:33)

“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” (1 Timothy 6:3-5)

“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:9)

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

For more verses on Discernment, click here. 

Not everyone is called to teach God’s word, but we can all discern His personal voice in our daily lives. If we strive to know and hear Him, He will be ever faithful to show up and be heard. God isn’t asking us to be perfect or ashamed of our inevitable mistakes. He asks for our hearts.

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/FTiare

www.worshiprejoices.com

www.ibelieve.com