Hearing God's Voice

The world these days is constantly telling us “you do you,” or just to “do what makes you happy.” We can’t decide what’s best for ourselves based on how you feel. Only God truly knows what’s best for our lives. In the past I have spent a lot of time in prayer—literally just me talking at God.

Not to God.

Once again, talking at God.

“God, help me get an A on the final.”

“Dear Lord, help me to get a job.”

“Hey God, please heal (insert name)…kay thanks bye.”

We have this buzzword going around the Christian community a lot these days—relationship.

“It’s not a religion, it’s a relationship.”

Alright…what on earth is that supposed to mean? It sounds beautiful and we can select an aesthetic font and slap it on an Instagram photo and re-share it all we want, but it doesn’t actually mean anything without action. We can’t have relationship if we’re talking at God all the time. We have to spend time in the quiet just listening as well.

As many of you know, I have spent a chuck of my time doing different missions. I would volunteer to give a message and then have to ask God what I should talk about because I’d have an hour or less to prepare something. Sometimes I would get a different subject matter to discuss, but this is the one message I was told to give at many different churches to many different age groups.

It’s that important.

If you are holding something back from the Lord, He may withhold His voice in order to get your attention on something that you already know is not right. It could be some form of sin you are knowingly taking part in, or disobedience or delay in something that He has already told you to do. After all, why should God speak if you have no intention of obeying? Also don’t be casual in seeking what God has to say. Seek after Him wholeheartedly.

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 ESV

Here’s the thing about hearing God: He’s not the only one that want to speak to you. There are many different “voices” that we hear in our lives.

1. The Lord

2. The Enemy (the devil)

3. Other people

4. Your own voice

Our own desires and thoughts sometimes get in the way of what God is trying to tell us. This is probably the most common way to get distracted from God’s voice. However other people that we love care about, or maybe just others that we’re trying to please can get in the way of this too. It’s normal to care about what your parents, family members, spouse, or someone you’re in relationship with have to say. However, sometimes these people and their will for you is outside the will of God.

Finally, we have the enemy, Satan. The enemy is real and has a will for your life and tries to speak into it as well. Many people take this piece of knowledge and start acting out in fear—don’t be that person. The enemy does not know your thoughts or your heart (1 Kings 8:39), just your nature. God wants to give us authority over the enemy.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:7-8 ESV

When all these other voices are flooding our heads up, it’s difficult to hear God’s voice. If this is something you’re experiencing as well, pray against all these other voices one by one. Wait in silence and listen…you know, without checking your phone.

Alright that’s all for today. I could talk a lot more about this subject so if you want me to leave a part two or have any questions, let me know!! I love hearing from you guys!

Also a general announcement: Most of my outreach we be in London, but a couple of weeks of it are going to take place in…Paris and Brussels!! Please join me in prayer as I continue to reach out to the people of London and prepare for the work that God is going to be doing while we’re there!

Thank you all so much for being so amazing, for sending me notes, for your financial support thus far, and for your prayers!! I did my best to send out thank yous to all of you, and if you haven’t received one it’s either because I haven’t finished the list of specifically Paypal donations or because you sent it after I left for London. You guys are awesome, and hope to hear from you soon!