Hearing God

[PhantomTorment]

My girlfriend and I were talking about "hearing God" to know his will...we're both a little confused on this matter because that "small still voice" really never comes. My theory was that it's not so much a small still voice you hear in your head when you want the answer...it seems that when you're seeking God and his will, when you follow your "instincts" that, that seems to be Gods will. But I don't think either of us have been praying for Gods will and suddenly the answer just came into our head...usually that little voice seems to be our own mind talking to us...

So, enlighten me, please :)

[bithiah2]

My girlfriend and I were talking about "hearing God" to know his will...we're both a little confused on this matter because that "small still voice" really never comes. My theory was that it's not so much a small still voice you hear in your head when you want the answer...it seems that when you're seeking God and his will, when you follow your "instincts" that, that seems to be Gods will. But I don't think either of us have been praying for Gods will and suddenly the answer just came into our head...usually that little voice seems to be our own mind talking to us...

So, enlighten me, please :)

The Bible is full of instances where God is speaking to people, in my understanding when we know what the Word of God says, it is His Word that will speak to us in our hearts, or even in our minds when we need to know what His will is. everyone is different and i believe that He will speak to us in a way that will let us know that it is Him. so, i would say if God's Word is in your mind and in your heart, then that would be one way of Him speaking to you."Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalms 119:105). He will never lead you wrong or confuse you.
may i offer a prayer?:crossrc:
Lord Jesus look on BrokenChains and her friend. God we ask that you would continue to lead them both in your paths of righteousness and allow them to hear you clearly speaking to them. give them an even greater understanding of who You are what of what You have to say to them, because you love them dearly. look on all of the affairs of their lives and continue to complete the work that you have started in them. we thank you for this clarity and for your wisdom and knowledge that will become pleasant to their souls because you are their Sheperd and you look out for the lives of them who belong to You daily. we ask you for these blessings
In Your Name
Amen
be encouraged
:groupray:

[PhantomTorment]

Thanks :)

[elsbeth]

Sometimes I "hear" God's voice in my head the same way I hear my own thoughts, but it's unmistakably God, I always know the difference. This doesn't happen often. Sometimes God makes something just pop out at me- like it was highlighted. This could be a Bible verse, something in other print, or even something someone says. It's like He is saying to me "see this? that's meant for you." ANd sometimes its just knowing the right thing to do because it lines up with Christian principles.

[PhantomTorment]

Problem is that voice we hear in our mind, we've never heard it knew for sure that it was God :P

[elsbeth]

When I "hear" God in my mind, (and, as I said, it doesn't happen often) it is simply unmistakable. The Bible has Jesus saying that His sheep know His voice. I know my husband's voice when he speaks to me. I know God's voice when He speaks, the same way.

[tturt]

"How to Hear from God in a Noisy World" is excellent imo.

[PhantomTorment]

When I "hear" God in my mind, (and, as I said, it doesn't happen often) it is simply unmistakable. The Bible has Jesus saying that His sheep know His voice. I know my husband's voice when he speaks to me. I know God's voice when He speaks, the same way.


And that's the problem...it makes my girlfriend and I question if we're just very imature in our faith since we seem to miss it. *sighs*

[RebeccaF]

I always know when it's from God and not just my own mind when it's accompanied by a sense of peace. When I realize something and just know deeply that it's right and true and have peace with it, then I know it's from God.

Good luck with this. You'll get there. It's great that you two are interested and asking the question.

[sebastian]

when i hear God's voice it's like an understanding or an instinct as you say, the way to see if it is from God or from you is to test it in light of scripture. Just go with it and enjoy it, it's cool. just if you feel God starts to tell you to rob a bank, you know your in error yeah?;)

oh yeah, and you do learn from your mistakes. don't be afraid of making them!

[mont974x4]

First, IMO, the only thing needed to know God's will is to read His Word. This is where we see His character and what is expected of us.

Now, if we're talking about whether to take job X or go on mission A type of situations then ask if they line up with God's character and His will according to His Word. My wife and I are praying and working on starting a ministry. We know the mission glorifies God but understand that it may not be the exact path and plan He has for us. I trust Him to open and close doors as we prayerfully try them.

The more time we spend in His Word and in prayer the more our thoughts and desires become like His. So we may "hear Him" in the form of a tugging at our heart or an idea pops in our head to go say something encouraging to someone or go help someone in need...or even correct someone biblically when they are in sin or stating an incorrect beleif.

In all you ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.


IMO, faith and courage are closely linked and they, like all things, come from Him. Take a step and see what happens. God will never give us more than we can handle and He always provides an escape. We can't be afraid to try and fail when we have a faithful Father in Heaven who will pick us up.


NOTE: Understand that some of these things are easier said than done and I say them to remind myself as much as encourage my brothers and sisters.


Be blessed and be a blessing,
Jay

[handmaiden97]

sometimes I think its just me I hear in my head and a few weeks down the road after following what seems right I realize I was followingGods leading all along...other times I do that very same thing and end up in a mess and realize it was me not God Iw as following...so now I pray alot when Im unsere of the next step and I seek the word and counself of other more mature in the faith. Doesnt mean I always follow thier advice but it helps me discern weaterh Im hearing my ideas or Gods

[Ben12]

Hearing God is some deep to ponder. When I read God's Word and see something so marvelous, so inspiring, so deep that it could have only one source; that is hear God to me. I love the word mystery in the NT; it means sacred secret.


Prov 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to
search out a matter.

[flyingsum0]

Sometimes God dosnt talk to us in a voice. Sometimes its a gentl breeze when you feeling down. Or a warm ray of sun when you feel lost. Sometimes its a traffic report when your pondering which highway to take to work...a locked cabinet when you going for that second box of pop tarts...

We just need to listen for Him we're always in His thoughts, always keep Him in yours...

[Nurbz]

God stopped speaking to humans directly after Christ's ascension. Personally I'd say its a good call considering all the weird things people say God told them to do today. It also means we won't have people saying they speak for God and arguments about that legitimacy

[Ben12]

God stopped speaking to humans directly after Christ's ascension. Personally I'd say its a good call considering all the weird things people say God told them to do today. It also means we won't have people saying they speak for God and arguments about that legitimacy
I totally disagree with what you are saying. Look at the Book of Revelations; Eight times in just the Book of Revelations God's Word declares " Revelation 3:22 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=73&chapter=3&verse=22&version=9&context=verse)
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches"

Men have ears to hear their Priest, Pope or preacher; but it takes spiritual ears to hear God; most have only religous ears.

[mont974x4]

Who did Saul meet when he became Paul?

[whatfor]

God stopped speaking to humans directly after Christ's ascension. Personally I'd say its a good call considering all the weird things people say God told them to do today. It also means we won't have people saying they speak for God and arguments about that legitimacy
I have to disagree.
He has spoken to me, I am sure of it.
I was given instructions to lay hands on someone, verbally.[the reaction was amazing]
He gave me a task to do using a voice in my head.[ it ended up being a test, He told me that after]
I have many times I knew I was to do something, for example I get called out the front at church at times to pray for and lay hands on someone to be healed, each time I know it will happen before the pastor calls me.

[Athene]

God stopped speaking to humans directly after Christ's ascension. Personally I'd say its a good call considering all the weird things people say God told them to do today. It also means we won't have people saying they speak for God and arguments about that legitimacy

Then who spoke to Paul and inspired him while he wrote his letters? :confused:

[elsbeth]

And that's the problem...it makes my girlfriend and I question if we're just very imature in our faith since we seem to miss it. *sighs*
Oh, no. Don't feel that way. God treats us as individuals. He communicates diffrently with different people, and no one way is "better" than any other. He knows what we need.

God stopped speaking to humans directly after Christ's ascension. Personally I'd say its a good call considering all the weird things people say God told them to do today. It also means we won't have people saying they speak for God and arguments about that legitimacy
You're quite wrong. God still speaks directly to people today. He has spoken directly to me a number of times. The "weird things" are not a product of God speaking-they are a product of disturbed minds. God won't tell people things that are against Biblical teachings and Christian principles. And the worst people I've seen for arguing that "they speak for God" are those who insist on their interpretation of Bible verses.

[AFinChrist]

Broken Chains;

I want to encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to fill you each morning.

He is the ONE that will reveal all Truth to you.
Be sensitive to His leading and watch for signs.

I also want to pray for you...

Father; open his spiritual eyes, and ears. May he hear your voice, see visions and receive dreams.
You have said the pure in heart will see God.
I ask Lord for revelations. Open his heart, mind and sanctify his imagination.
Jesus name, Amen.

You can see Him in dreams and visions. The Lord is pouring out His Spirit. Open your heart and mind to Him...and He will answer you.

[Ben12]

I am not much for religion, any religion but just look at all the great men of God from Martin Luther, Martin Luther King, Wesley, Billy Sunday and even Billy Graham etc. These are the well known, what about the thousands of unknown men and women thought history and live now. God is revealing Himself in secret, in the hearts and minds of people all though the ages.

I head of a story of a husband and wife needed a word from God, they needed in confirmed so they waited. One day a minister who did not believe the way they did in this matter stayed at their house. That night as he slept he spoke out with the words they needed confirmation on.

God speaks in many ways.

[Jeremiah8]

Jesus said "my sheep know my voice". a sheep is a mature lamb, ie a mature christian. So don't worry if you aren't that familiar with His voice yet, you'll get there ;)

[fifi]

My girlfriend and I were talking about "hearing God" to know his will...we're both a little confused on this matter because that "small still voice" really never comes. My theory was that it's not so much a small still voice you hear in your head when you want the answer...it seems that when you're seeking God and his will, when you follow your "instincts" that, that seems to be Gods will. But I don't think either of us have been praying for Gods will and suddenly the answer just came into our head...usually that little voice seems to be our own mind talking to us...

So, enlighten me, please :)


I have been their i ask the same thing once God speaks to us in many ways in his word he speaks to us. also through people because before God can speak to us we have to be able to obey people that hear from God and obey God for ourslefs. then he will speak to us but mostly he speaks to us through his word daily.:)

[GregKerr]

My girlfriend and I were talking about "hearing God" to know his will...we're both a little confused on this matter because that "small still voice" really never comes. My theory was that it's not so much a small still voice you hear in your head when you want the answer...it seems that when you're seeking God and his will, when you follow your "instincts" that, that seems to be Gods will. But I don't think either of us have been praying for Gods will and suddenly the answer just came into our head...usually that little voice seems to be our own mind talking to us...

So, enlighten me, please :)
First you should study the four gospels and step into obedience to everything Jesus said. When you have done this you will have the mind of Christ. Spend time alone with God praying and telling Him beautiful things then sit quietly and listen and there will come a time when God will begin to speak back to you with understandings. Remember all wisdom and knowledge is in Christ. Usually if you are seeking God for a solution for a problem and after a period of time you have an understanding that you never had before that lines up with His word and also solves the problem, thats Him....

[fallen^sparrow]

My best advice is to be still and listen... no different then when your trying to get information/advice from another person. Express your desires and needs and wait and listen for a response. At times it comes as a voice while others it appears to come more from within as a feeling or "instinct" regarding a situation. An example was a couple days ago when riding along I felt the "need" to turn and head in the opposite direction. Two blocks later I ran into a friend who was literally getting into his truck to leave town and move 1800 km's away. We had a long talk and wished each other well in our future endeavours and expressed our desires to remain in contact etc. This has happened countless number of times year after year and I know now to trust the "voice" as things always have a way of working themselves out in wonderfully unexpectant ways. Don't be afraid to be lead in what may seem to be a totally illogical direction; just trust and obey and He won't lead you wrong. ;)

fallen^sparrow

[Nadiine]

Broken Chains;

I want to encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to fill you each morning.
:wave: We are filled with the Holy Spirit once saved... I'm perplexed as to how He can "fill us" even more by His presence as if He gradually fills us? :scratch:
Scripture also says we already HAVE all we need in Him. We are already filled by His Spirit if we're indeed born again. :) (not to be nit picky -sorry) :hug:

To the OP, yes God does use that "still small voice", He spoke to me after I sought Him on a serious issue involving the impending dissolution of my marriage yrs. back.
I had to seek the Lord intently for weeks, and one morning while out watering the grass in the backyard, meditating on the Lord, He whispered just one word into my mind.
That word happened to be the direct issue that was harming my husband and what all our problems stemmed from.
It was God and I knew it. I ran to the fone to call my husband to tell him and that solved our problem!!

I'd like to offer this, the bible says "the FERVENT prayers of a righteous man availeth much".
There are some KEYS to seeking God and having God respond to us -
First, we're to be in obedience to Him. Then, we need to be FERVENT in our prayer, and we're to Continue seeking.

The way we seek God today imo is pretty half-baked and too casual. As if you put a 10 minute prayer in & that's it - We don't truly know what it is to SEEK GOD in our fast paced and topical lifestyles anymore.

We also think that we can be living in willful sins & being involved in things we know displease Him, yet expect Him to work mightily thru us & turn us into "super Christian"... the Christians who are mighty in God's kingdom spend tons of time in meditation on His word, deep prayer, intent obedience to His commands and are serving Him.
THAT is what brings us power in the Christian life.

Today, we think just claiming His name makes it an obligation to God to start empowering us & moving us up & doing mighty things in us & thru us; but God only does what WE PUT INTO IT. Alot depends on how serious we are & what we'll DIE TO to serve Him.

We refuse to go to church, view Jesus as a casual buddy - remembering Him we need a blessing, shun giving any substantial $offerings$ to Him, live how we want to, say a few prayers here & there, don't bother reading our bibles, then ask "why isn't God answering me?" or "why does it seem like God is distant?"

I'm not saying this is YOU my friend, I'm just saying this generally to everyone about the subject of Hearing God & seeking God.
Most powerful Christians I know are massively intent on their close relationship w/ the Lord and spend mega time in scripture, they're very firm on obeying God, they're very giving, they have a constant indepth prayer life & are serving Him in some sort of ministry or another - deeply committed & serious.

ONLY THEN did God open up to me and share a few visions (that I actually used at the time to help another Christian who was being set up by someone else) and a Word that saved my marriage. But not before that. Those are my experiences personally and of those I do know that hear & see from God and are used MIGHTILY in the kingdom of God.

The comment on the 'mature sheep' post has some wisdom in it too imo. I tend to agree. At least if not mature, God seeks A HEART THAT IS AFTER HIM intently and fervently and He works MOST often with them.
As Jesus' parable taught, if you can be trusted with just the little things, God can give us more to be trusted with.
If we fail in the little things, how can He trust us with any more?
:angel:
As God said, "come near to me, and I will come near to you"

[Galefamily4Christ]

A lot of the time it is the Holy Spirit we hear...A primary role of the Holy Spirit is that He bears "witness" of Jesus Christ (John 15:26, 16:14)... He tells people's hearts about the truth of Jesus Christ... The Holy Spirit also acts as a Christian's teacher (1Cor. 2:9-14)... He reveals God's will and God's truth to a Christian.... Jesus told His disciples..."The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." (John 14:26)"When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." (John 16:13)The Holy Spirit was given to live inside those who believe in Jesus, in order to produce God's character in the life of a believer... In a way that we cannot do on our own, the Holy Spirit will build into our lives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23)... Rather than trying to be loving, patient, kind, God asks us to rely on Him to produce these qualities in our lives. Thus Christians are told to walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:25) and be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18)... And the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to perform ministerial duties that promote spiritual growth among Christians (Rom. 12; 1Cor. 12; Eph. 4)....
The Holy Spirit also performs a function for non-Christians as well... He convicts people's hearts of God's truth concerning how sinful we are -- needing God's forgiveness; how righteous Jesus is -- He died in our place, for our sins; and God's eventual judgment of the world and those who do not know Him (John 16:8-11)... The Holy Spirit tugs on our hearts and minds, asking us to repent and turn to God for forgiveness and a new life...:amen: