How do you know when God is speaking to you?

[Jarrod@ OptimisticJourney]

In the Bible, we hear of the Lord speaking to different leaders in many different ways. He spoke to Moses through a burning bush. He spoke to Mary through Gabriel, the angel, messenger of God. He spoke to Noah when God instructed him to build the ark. There were many other ways God spoke to various different Bible figures such as Abraham, Job, Apostle Paul, the Prophets Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, etc. But today is a new day, things have changed a bit. The lifestyle is different. We hear from God in different ways. There's the "still small voice", there's a nudging in our spirit that we often yield to... and sometimes fail to yield. I would like to hear from you. How do you know when God is speaking to you?

 

[Hitch]

I cant even keep up with what it written..

 

[Danus]

Well Jarrod that's a good question. One that's been kicked around a time or two in many a Christian circle.

I answer it this way. I know when God is speaking to me when I lean to God and listen. To lean to God, I lean to what is good. To know what is good I learn and meditate on the word of God. The more I learn and meditate on God's word the more I know what is of God, but the listening part comes from my relationship with God which I foster in prayer.

God has never spoken to me in a bush, or an audible voice, and though I used to wish he would, I appreciate that he has not. I'd rather seek him. I'd rather find his little notes; his clues; his pearls of wisdom. That is how God speaks to me. How does God speak to you?

 

[Jarrod@ OptimisticJourney]

Well Jarrod that's a good question. One that's been kicked around a time or two in many a Christian circle.

I answer it this way. I know when God is speaking to me when I lean to God and listen. To lean to God, I lean to what is good. To know what is good I learn and meditate on the word of God. The more I learn and meditate on God's word the more I know what is of God, but the listening part comes from my relationship with God which I foster in prayer.

God has never spoken to me in a bush, or an audible voice, and though I used to wish he would, I appreciate that he has not. I'd rather seek him. I'd rather find his little notes; his clues; his pearls of wisdom. That is how God speaks to me. How does God speak to you?

That's true Danus, I too believe that the more we study God's Word and the more It get's embedded into our mind, the more we develop the mind of Christ. And our actions are influenced by goodness and the wisdom that God's Word instills in us.

Me personally, I too meditate on God's Word. I allow the wisdom that it teaches me to guide me. Often times, I'll get a Rhema Word (A right now word) while I'm studying the Bible. If I come across a passage of scripture, I'll get more insight and knowledge on what's behind the scripture as I'm studying it. He'll also speak to me during my prayer time. Sometimes when I'm praying I get a strong feeling of guidance and direction while I'm praying.

 

[Danus]

I can dig it. ...to add to this, let me say also, that as I have aged in my walk with Christ I find that what he had to say to me at one time, means more or even something more profound now. I have found Gods word more profound and deep as my time progresses.

I describe my manner of thinking and processing information as that of a heart felt analytic type in how I process things. To that end I find God's message like a puzzle to be solved, that keeps changing ever more complex each time I solve it.

 

[lklgr]

In the Bible, we hear of the Lord speaking to different leaders in many different ways. He spoke to Moses through a burning bush. He spoke to Mary through Gabriel, the angel, messenger of God. He spoke to Noah when God instructed him to build the ark. There were many other ways God spoke to various different Bible figures such as Abraham, Job, Apostle Paul, the Prophets Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, etc. But today is a new day, things have changed a bit. The lifestyle is different. We hear from God in different ways. There's the "still small voice", there's a nudging in our spirit that we often yield to... and sometimes fail to yield. I would like to hear from you. How do you know when God is speaking to you?

Through answered prayers; sometimes through a string of "coincindences" which lead me to where I am supposed to be to see, hear, or say something that I needed to hear, see or say; through what I call "hug from God moments" when I am looking at or pondering something and suddenly get a warm glowy feeling all over [I love that ] It's like when you are moved by the sight of something amazing in nature and you have the feeling that God is there looking at it with you. Sometimes it might be a scripture that jumps out and speaks to me about something I need to pay attention to; or if I go to a church, it may be the sermon has particularly pointed meaning, many times it is in conversation with some other person. I think God is always speaking to people. Some people get it some don't; but that warm glowy feeling is the BEST! Thanks for asking Jarrod!

 

[JNathanK]

Whether its a still small voice or a fiery vision, I think both can be based in demonic or divine sources.

 

[Davies]

Jarrod,

Here is one way in which God speaks to us.

Psalm 19:1
New King James Version (NKJV)

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.

- Davies

 

[Classik]

This has been a big problem to some of us. But I know God would always speak to us in a clear voice. The closer you are to Him the louder you hear him. But how can we distinguish the voice of God from the voices of the others speaking at the same time. The devil's voice at times sounds so pleasant.


At times that voice that sounds so unpleasant is God's voice speaking to us. (God's voice is always pleasant - the problem is that our circumstances can at times make it seem unpleasant)

 

[Hitch]

Jarrod,

Here is one way in which God speaks to us.

Psalm 19:1
New King James Version (NKJV)

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.

- Davies

 

[Nathan Alterton]

While there are many example of God speaking directly to individuals and giving explicit directions, there's nothing I'm aware of in the Bible that teaches that we should be seeking such direct communication with God. What seems apparent in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, is that on rare occasions God chooses to break through and speak directly to someone, and when He chooses to do so He gets His message across regardless of whether the person is listening for Him to speak to them or not.

What I do understand to be Biblical is that God has given us everything we need to know through the Prophets and Apostles, He has provided us with knowledge of Himself and the righteous principles we should live according to as subjects of His kingdom.

Example - The Jerusalem Council, Acts 15:

In this passage the Apostles convene for the first time to determine what to do about Gentiles coming into the Church and whether they should be required to keep some aspects of the Law; specifically circumcision. While I'm sure that they prayed about the decision, we are not told that the council sought after explicite direction from God on this matter, but that they reasoned together from the scriptures:

Acts 15: 6-7, 12-15, 19, 21 ESV

The <SUP class=xref value='(S)'></SUP>apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. And after there had been much <SUP class=xref value='(T)'></SUP>debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, <SUP class=xref value='(U)'></SUP>that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear <SUP class=xref value='(V)'></SUP>the word of <SUP class=xref value='(W)'></SUP>the gospel and believe. ...â€

And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul <SUP class=xref value='(AK)'></SUP>as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they finished speaking, <SUP class=xref value='(AL)'></SUP>James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them <SUP class=xref value='(AN)'></SUP>a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written... Therefore <SUP class=xref value='(AS)'></SUP>my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who <SUP class=xref value='(AT)'></SUP>turn to God ... For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, <SUP class=xref value='(AZ)'></SUP>for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.â€

On this very import decision we are told the Apostles debated, they reasoned from the scriptures and listened to each other, and then they made a decision. They didn't listen for God to speak to them or wait for God's "leading" because they knew the mind of God based on His teachings already and they acted in accordance with His principles. He didn't have to tell to them what to do.

The same principle applies in our lives. As I grow closer to God and the more my life conforms to that of Christ, the more I am able to make decisions that accurately reflect God's will, regardless of the situations life presents on a daily basis. I frequently ask myself, "What would be the Godly response to this event, or this person," and I often pray for wisdom in making decisions, but I don't expect God to tell me directly what to do.

For most of us, at different times in our lives, we can look backward at past events and see how God orchestrated the confluence of people and things to bring about His will, although we weren't aware of that specific will at the time. For myself, I can think of multiple times when I have, in retrospect, seen God's hand on my life working to bring about His ends.

When I see myself being conformed to His will, and when I can look back and see His hand in my life - that's how I know He has been "speaking" to me.

 

[Elijah674]

In the Bible, we hear of the Lord speaking to different leaders in many different ways. He spoke to Moses through a burning bush. He spoke to Mary through Gabriel, the angel, messenger of God. He spoke to Noah when God instructed him to build the ark. There were many other ways God spoke to various different Bible figures such as Abraham, Job, Apostle Paul, the Prophets Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, etc. But today is a new day, things have changed a bit. The lifestyle is different. We hear from God in different ways. There's the "still small voice", there's a nudging in our spirit that we often yield to... and sometimes fail to yield. I would like to hear from you. How do you know when God is speaking to you?

Hi Jarrod. Elijah674 here.
I am a 'firm' believer in an recreated LOVING Obedient [working] Faith!:waving
And find that from day one of Gen. that Salvation was on an Obedient Condition to our creator + re/creator.

OK: Matt. 4:4 + 2 Tim. 3:16 tell's me at least, how to find the Godhead's LEADING.

Rom. 8:1 has us with NO Condemnation when surrendered, and verse 14 find that being 'LED' is required. This is the crucial point, LOVING OBEDIENCE! It is then that 'all' will find their place in the Master's plan. Providentially we could do [nothing] else [IF] we follow the Written Word of God. (some might fight or even be fought against?) So they are not being LED unless they follow on through!. (note Matt.10:25!)

When a pastor for instance is being led into this field, regardless of man's [outside] obstruction in any form, the providential leading of the Holy Spirit will not let the one do anything else! (unless they quench & grieve His leading) No Born Again person needs another Leader! (Jer. 17:5) And there are NO Born Again ones who are left without 'this Leading!'

Let me just add that even the non/Born Again ones have the Holy Spirit STRIVING with them to accept Christ! Gen. 6:3 was an 120 year striving!

PS:
Let me just add why God say's that He stopped speaking directly to us.

Deut. 5
[22] These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.
[23] And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;
[24] And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.

[25] Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.
[26] For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?

[27] Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it. ((???))

[28] And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.
[29] O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
[30] Go say to them, Get you into your tents again.
[31] But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it.

 

[Jarrod@ OptimisticJourney]

What I do understand to be Biblical is that God has given us everything we need to know through the Prophets and Apostles, He has provided us with knowledge of Himself and the righteous principles we should live according to as subjects of His kingdom.

Example - The Jerusalem Council, Acts 15:

In this passage the Apostles convene for the first time to determine what to do about Gentiles coming into the Church and whether they should be required to keep some aspects of the Law; specifically circumcision. While I'm sure that they prayed about the decision, we are not told that the council sought after explicite direction from God on this matter, but that they reasoned together from the scriptures:



On this very import decision we are told the Apostles debated, they reasoned from the scriptures and listened to each other, and then they made a decision. They didn't listen for God to speak to them or wait for God's "leading" because they knew the mind of God based on His teachings already and they acted in accordance with His principles. He didn't have to tell to them what to do.

Nathan, thanks for pointing out that particular instance in Acts 15. I think that's why it's important for us to constantly renew our minds in the Word of God so that, just like the Apostles, when we're looking for direction and clarity we have God's Word (or the mind of Christ) in us and we can go off what His Word speaks to us.

Let me ask you a question, Nathan. How do you believe modern day Prophets hear from God? I know they have a special gift from God that we don't have... but do you believe God speaks directly to them concerning another person, or a situation?

 

[Jarrod@ OptimisticJourney]

Whether its a still small voice or a fiery vision, I think both can be based in demonic or divine sources.

You are so right, JNathanK. That's how we get false Prophets that the Bible clearly urges us to stay away from. I'm sure they hear "still small voices" or get fiery visions. Demonic sources can speak to them too. I was referring to the "still small voice" that Prophet Elijah spoke of.

 

[Jarrod@ OptimisticJourney]

This has been a big problem to some of us. But I know God would always speak to us in a clear voice. The closer you are to Him the louder you hear him. But how can we distinguish the voice of God from the voices of the others speaking at the same time...

Hi Classik, I think you made a great point when you stated, "The closer you are to Him the louder you hear him." I was at church Sunday, and the preacher was talking about fasting. And He made an interesting point. One of the reasons for fasting is to grow closer to God. When we fast, we give up things that have a hold over us for a specific period of time. Whether it be 21 days or a month or two months. Some may choose to give up TV, sweets, internet time, or eating meats and sodas, or etc. We then replace these things with meditating on God's Word or just focusing on Him in general. And this causes us to grow closer in God. If we're fasting correctly, which not just giving up things but replacing them by either praying, studying God's Word and meditating on Him, then we'll grow closer to Him and hear His voice more clearly.

 

[Jarrod@ OptimisticJourney]

I think God is always speaking to people. Some people get it some don't; but that warm glowy feeling is the BEST! Thanks for asking Jarrod!

I think the warm glowy feeling is the best! And you're welcome, my friend!

 

[reba]

In 65 years of Christian living ( well most of it was) i have heard folks say God said this and that often.. Or is something happened really fast THAT HAD TO BE GOD!
I do believe God does/says stuff to us.... Years back i was whining to mom God does XYZ for so and so He says this and that to ABC Why doses God not talk to me? WHY WHY

Mom said Reba why don't you shut up and listen!

 

[Elijah674]

In 65 years of Christian living ( well most of it was) i have heard folks say God said this and that often.. Or is something happened really fast THAT HAD TO BE GOD!
I do believe God does/says stuff to us.... Years back i was whining to mom God does XYZ for so and so He says this and that to ABC Why doses God not talk to me? WHY WHY

Mom said Reba why don't you shut up and listen!

EXOD.
[12] Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

 

[calvin25]

I believe the primary way that God speaks to us today is by way of the Holy Spirit convicting us of sin when we do or say something wrong or sinful. The fact that we feel bad about something we've done is the Holy Spirit talking to us and telling us of this particular sin and to repent of it in order to restore relationship with God.We are still saved[that can not be taken from us];however we can fall out of favor with God.

 

[MegaMass]

Intresting topic.

I personally have been "feeling" things from God. He has not never spoken with audible voice to me, but I think that as He is all - all is from Him.

Personally I dont think there is such thing as Satan, because if God is all, then who is satan? There is concept of evil/satan/lucifer for sure, but it is something small compared to our lord and to my belief, ultimately under the control of God. As God is all - alpha and omega.

IF there are powers outside of God's universe, then the thing gets bit more tricky. How can we be sure, that there is no greater God then our God?

So as I worship the greatest God, I worship the God who is all - without exceptions.

So all is from God and serves some role in His great plan.