In the Scriptures, there are a few places where God the Father is depicted as speaking audibly and in the New Testament, Jesus preached to multitudes and taught in synagogues. But what about today? How do we hear from God? No one can fully answer that but let me offer a few suggestions.
In this day and hour, I believe that God speaks through His Spirit, His Word, His people and the circumstances of life. For me, it’s never just one of these things – it’s usually a combination or all of the above. If I am searching for direction in a particular area of my life, I may start out by praying about the issue. As I begin praying, I might either search the Scriptures for anything that speaks to the issue or I may just come across something in my regular reading that makes me stop and think.
If I am patient, and I continue to pray and meditate on the Scripture, my inner person will become sensitive to “the still, small voice of God” that begins to give me direction. This direction is often reinforced by conversations with other Spirit-filled believers or by the circumstances. For example, if you are praying about an issue, does your direction line up with the Scripture? Do you feel a sense of peace about your decision or are you in turmoil? Are the doors of opportunity open or slammed shut? What is the advice of those older and wiser than you?
If we will take the time to pray, meditate and search the Scriptures, and if we are open to wise counsel, then over time, we will begin to feel the wind of God. He will provide guidance and leading on our decisions. The problem is that we often fail to get quiet enough to listen, or we don’t ask at all. We can also get so tied into our own direction that we miss clear but contrary instructions.
Does God still speak? I believe the answer is yes. Are we really listening? Maybe not. What do you say?
