I would like to think I am living in the Spirit all the time. But truth be told, I’m often living for myself which shuts out the Spirit. Not living in the Spirit makes it really hard to find God. But, when I am in that spiritual space, I can see, hear and recognize God all around me. Living in the Spirit by hearing helps me have a deeper relationship with God.
Last week, I shared why I do what I do? My passion is to help others have a deeper relationship with God. I believe we can have that deeper relationship with God by learning to hear from God. Today, I’d like to share some things that might help you hear from God.
The other day, I ran into an old friend. As we caught up on life, the conversation quickly turned to spiritual things. She told me she didn’t think she hears from God. Admittedly, by not being able to hear from God, she felt broken, as if something was wrong with her. This made me very sad.
As she continued, she explained it was only in the last few months that she realized this “hearing” that others referred to was actually not an audible hearing. It got me thinking because I talk a lot about hearing from God. If she struggles with this language of “hearing”, maybe others do too.
Let’s talk about “hearing.”
When I talk about hearing from God, I never realized this language of ‘hearing’ might be confusing. For me, hearing from God is not an audible hearing. It is internal, like “that still, small voice” or a whisper. It is almost like a thought. I recognize, however, it is not my thought.
Often, when I “hear,” it is typically an answer to a question. Almost always, it is short and simple, like “Trust me,” “Wait,” or “Keep going.”
When I hear the words in my mind, I trust God by obeying what I hear. Hearing is like a muscle. To trust and obey is the exercise for that muscle. You can hear from God all day long, but if you do not trust God by obeying what He says, that muscle will never develop.
Hear.Trust.Obey
When God speaks to me, it cuts down on confusion, often helping me know which way to go or what to do. It is this ‘trust and obey’ piece that strengthens my hearing. Again, this is an internal or spiritual hearing.
Matthew 13:9 says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Mark 4:24 AMP says; “Pay attention to what you hear. By your own standard of measurement [that is, to the extent that you study spiritual truth and apply godly wisdom] it will be measured to you [and you will be given even greater ability to respond]—and more will be given to you besides.”
Revelation 3:20 NRSV says; “Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.”
And Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
If you want to have a deeper relationship with God, you can. Because God loves you so much and longs to have an intimate relationship with you. My prayer is that you begin strengthening your spiritual muscles by trusting and obeying God. God is speaking all the time. Do you hear Him? “All who have ears, let them hear.”
Let us pray; Father God, open our ears so that we might hear what it is you are speaking to us. Open our eyes so we may see all the wonders your hands have made. Open our minds so that we may be aware of your presence all around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen. -M
See you back here next week as I share more tips on hearing from God. Spoiler alert; the first step in hearing is feeling.
Wanna go deeper? Practice listening for that “still, small voice.” Ask God a question and then listen for the first thought you have. Write down the thought and pray that God will confirm it to be God.
P.S. Share this message on Facebook and tag me in it. Forward this email to a friend and ask them to subscribe. Leave me a comment below and let me know how you hear from God.
One thought on “Living in the Spirit by “hearing””
Trust and obey! There is no other way. Amen