He Promises: Hearing God's Voice

Bible Passages: Jeremiah 33:1–3, Psalm 46:10, Revelation 3:19–20, John 10:1–5

Introduction:

Have you ever had one of those moments when your inside voice suddenly said something out loud for all within earshot to hear? One of those classic “foot in the mouth” situations isn’t it? Those internal thoughts were meant to be shared with just yourself, yet they somehow managed to seep out for all to hear!

Have you ever had moments were you hoped your spouse, loved one, co-worker, friend would open up their hearts and speak to you? There’s nothing quite like that cold shoulder when all you want to do is listen and hear how that other person is truly feeling about a situation that may be troublesome.

And what about hearing God’s voice? Do you ever find it difficult to hear His response? Maybe you’ve got an important decision to make, and you reach out to God for advise. If you’re like me, sometimes my thoughts stray and well, my communication with God is strained.

The neglected heart will soon be a heart overrun with worldly thoughts; the neglected life will soon become a moral chaos.

A. W. Tozer

Prayer is not monologue, but dialogue; God’s voice in response to mine is its most essential part. Listening to God’s voice is the secret of the assurance that he will listen to mine.

Andrew Murray

Today we explore God's assurances in scripture regarding His desire to communicate with us and our responsibility to listen, highlighting the importance of being attentive to His voice in the chaos of life.

I trust this will encourageyou to seek and recognize God's voice amidst their struggles, emphasizing that listening to Him can bring guidance, comfort, and clarity during uncertain times.

Remember that God speaks to His people, inviting them into a deeper relationship, and that cultivating the ability to hear His voice is essential for spiritual growth.

Christ embodies the ultimate communication of God to humanity. In John 10:1–5, we see Him as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and calls them by name, illustrating the intimate relationship believers can have with Christ as they learn to hear His voice.

Big Idea: God promises to speak to His people, offering hope and guidance, and it is our responsibility to tune our hearts to hear His voice in our everyday lives.

1. Promises of Divine Dialogue

Jeremiah 33:1–3 NIV

While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the Lord came to him a second time: “This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

God speaks to His people even in difficult circumstances and our responsibility to call upon Him. This passage suggests that God is eager to reveal great and hidden things, inviting us to seek Him intentionally. Highlight the importance of prayer and expectation, reminding believers that God is near and willing to guide them.

2. Pathway to Peaceful Perception

Psalm 46:10 NIV

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

"Be still" is a necessary condition for hearing God's voice. In a world full of distractions, this passage emphasizes the importance of quieting our hearts to experience His presence and assurances. Create space for stillness in your life to better recognize His voice and experience His peace.

3. Persistent Love's Invitation

Revelation 3:19–20 NIV

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

The image of Christ standing at the door, illustrating God’s active invitation to relationship. His voice calls for repentance and readiness to fellowship. His discipline is an expression of love, prompting us to be vigilant in listening and responding. This is a call to open our hearts to His voice and know His presence intimately.

4. Personal Shepherd's Call

John 10:1–5 NIV

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

Remember this : the personal nature of Christ as the Good Shepherd who calls His sheep by name. By recognizing His voice and following Him we can hear Christ’s voice amidst competing influences, assuring them that He knows us personally and desires to lead us safely.

God promises to speak to His people, offering hope and guidance, and it is our responsibility to tune our hearts to hear His voice in our everyday lives.

You might feel overwhelmed with family responsibilities, especially when juggling work and home life. To tune your heart to hear God's voice, set aside a specific time each evening to reflect on your day with God. Use a journal to write down your thoughts, prayers, and the ways you sensed God’s guidance. Ask Him for specific answers about any family concerns or decisions you face. By creating this intentional space, you'll cultivate a deeper relationship with God, making it easier to hear His direction amidst the chaos.

If you’re struggling with feeling unheard or unappreciated within your family, consider initiating a family prayer night once a week. Encourage each family member to share their thoughts and feelings while praying together about challenges they face. This practice will not only help you listen to each other but also create a collective expectation to hear God’s insights, providing hope and guidance as a family unit. By fostering open communication and prayer, you're allowing God to lead your family in unity.

In a busy work environment, it can be easy to lose sight of God’s voice amid deadlines and stress. Implement a 'Faith-Focused Break' during your workday—set a timer for 10 minutes to step away from your desk. Use this time to pray, read Scripture, or listen to a short devotional podcast. This break will recharge you spiritually and allow you to seek God’s guidance on workplace challenges. By intentionally reconnecting with Him, you’ll find renewed clarity and direction in your tasks.

If you are facing a tough decision at work, perhaps about a promotion or project direction, take time to seek God’s guidance through fasting. Choose to fast from a specific meal or activity, dedicating that time to prayer and asking God for wisdom and direction. Journal what you sense God telling you during this period. By physically aligning your heart with God through fasting, you’re making a spiritual statement of your reliance on Him, ultimately allowing you to make decisions that honor Him.

If you often feel anxious about finances and your family's future, consider starting a 'Blessing Jar' at home. Each week, encourage family members to write down instances where they see God’s provision or blessings, no matter how small, and place them in the jar. At the end of the month, gather together to read the notes. This practice will help you shift your focus from financial worry to recognizing God’s ongoing kindness and guidance, reinforcing your faith that He is communicating hope for your future.

In what ways can we intentionally cultivate the ability to hear God's voice in our daily lives?

How does understanding God as a personal shepherd affect the way we respond to His guidance?

What specific spiritual practices can we incorporate to enhance our quiet time with God?

How can we discern the difference between God's voice and other distractions in our lives?

What role does prayer play in developing a dialogue with God and how can we improve this aspect of our spirituality?

What practical steps can we take during a busy week to ensure we spend quality time listening to God?

How can initiating a family prayer night create a better environment for hearing God's insights in our home?

In what ways can we implement 'Faith-Focused Breaks' at work to reconnect with God amidst our responsibilities?

How could keeping a 'Blessing Jar' help us recognize God's provision and boost our collective faith as a family?

What steps can we take when facing a significant decision at work to ensure that we are seeking God's guidance effectively?