Perceiving The Voice of God Part II

There are several ways that people believe God communicates with us, each offering a unique connection to the divine. Here are some of the most common ways:

NIV version

1. **Through Scripture**

- **Bible**: Many believe that God’s primary method of communication is through the Bible. Reading and meditating on scripture allows believers to hear God's guidance and instructions.

2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right."

Hebrews 4:12: "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."

2. **Prayer**

- **Personal Prayer**: During prayer, individuals often feel a sense of God speaking to them, offering comfort, guidance, or direction.

- **Listening Prayer**: This involves not just speaking to God but also taking time to listen for His voice or promptings.

Jeremiah 33:3: "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

3. **Holy Spirit**

- **Inner Promptings**: Many Christians believe the Holy Spirit communicates directly with their spirit, giving them nudges, convictions, or a sense of peace about a decision.

- **Gifts of the Spirit**: Some people experience God's communication through spiritual gifts like prophecy, wisdom, or discernment.

If only I would have listened.

John 14:26: "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

Romans 8:14: "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God."

4. **Circumstances**

- **Life Events**: God can speak through the circumstances of our lives, guiding us through opportunities, challenges, and even obstacles.

- **Open/Closed Doors**: Many interpret open or closed opportunities as God’s direction.

Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Proverbs 16:9: "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."

5. **Other People**

- **Counsel and Advice**: God can speak through the wisdom and advice of others, especially spiritual mentors or leaders.

- **Prophecy**: In some traditions, God speaks through prophets or others who have the gift of prophecy.

Proverbs 11:14: "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."

1 Thessalonians 5:20-21: "Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good."

6. **Nature**

- **Creation**: Many feel God’s presence and hear His voice through the beauty and majesty of nature. The Bible mentions that the heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1).

Psalm 19:1-2: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge."

Romans 1:20: "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

7. **Dreams and Visions**

- **Divine Revelations**: Throughout history and even today, some people report that God speaks to them through dreams and visions.

Joel 2:28: "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions."

Acts 2:17: "‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams."

8. **Audible Voice**

- **Direct Voice**: While rare, there are instances in the Bible and in the lives of some believers where God is said to have spoken audibly.

1 Samuel 3:10: "The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening.'"

Matthew 3:17: "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"

9. **Music and Worship**

- **Worship Services**: During times of worship, people often feel they hear God speaking to their hearts through songs, lyrics, or the atmosphere of worship.

Ephesians 5:19: "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord."

Psalm 95:1-2: "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song."

10. **Conscience**

- **Moral Compass**: God can speak through our conscience, guiding us to know right from wrong and prompting us to make moral decisions.

Romans 2:15: "They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them."

1 Timothy 1:5: "The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."

Each of these methods can be experienced differently by each individual, and they often work together to provide a fuller understanding of God's communication.