How to know God’s voice

Last Sunday evening we studied “How to Get All Your Needs Met” and it gave me an idea. Maybe I should do a complete series of “How To’s?” It would be like having a manual for successful Christian living! So, today we will be looking at “How to Know God’s Voice.” Many Christians spend much of their lives saying, “Is that really you Lord?” Never being sure or confident that it is in fact God’s voice they are hearing.

In John 10:4, while describing the Good Shepherd, an interesting detail is mentioned, "When He has brought out all his own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice." You cannot follow the Lord, or be led by His Spirit, without first knowing His voice! The choice of word in the Greek is very significant. There are two primary Greek words translated “know” and the one used here is “oida” which signifies “to have seen or perceived.” Hence, “to know perfectly or have full knowledge of.” In the context of this scripture, the differences between these two Greek words demand consideration. (a) “Ginosko” suggests progress in knowledge [as in a relationship], while “oida” suggests fullness of knowledge. Therefore, to “know His voice” is to know His voice completely!

Note, you are not asked to recognise the Lord’s voice but rather to have full knowledge of His voice. Accordingly, to know the Lord’s voice is based on totally accurate perception. It’s as if He is standing there speaking to you!

In Revelation 3:20 Jesus specifically says, "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 him, and he with Me." Jesus will always knock first and try to get your attention before speaking! Many believers don’t hear Him knocking, and therefore, they never respond appropriately by opening the door to Him. Notice, when He wishes to enter your life or circumstances, you must have full knowledge of His voice so that you can correctly discern and recognise Him; implying that you recognise the Lord by His voice! Remember, He is faithful and He does want you to hear His voice, so He will keep on knocking.

But how do you rectify the problem of not being able to hear clearly? How can you tune in to a good reception? And, how can you be certain that you will hear Him knocking when He comes to your door?

Here are seven things you must do:

[1] You must pause and take time out. In Psalm 46:10 the Lord says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Exodus 33:14, “My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.” Being still or resting is evidence of two things: (a) That you are letting God be God, and (b), that God’s presence is with you. His presence will give your rest - it will cause you to take time out. But when ever you choose to pause [be still], you are confirming your trust in Him!

Read 1 Kings 19:11, 12..... Often God is not in the spectacular, and you may only find Him in that quiet, secret place. Elijah found out that God manifested as a still small voice.

[2] You must have full knowledge of God’s vocabulary. The word of God is the communication tool He Himself has chosen to communicate with. You must know His word if you are to understand His vocabulary. It’s like learning a language.

[3] You must be familiar with His communication channel. The word of God is His communication tool; however, the Holy Spirit is God’s communication channel. Talking of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said this. “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 things that I have spoken to you” [John 14:26]. “He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will tell you of things to come.” “... He will take of what is Mine and reveal it to you” [John 16:13, 14]. The Holy Spirit is your spiritual hearing aid. So make sure you have Him switched on!

[4] You must rid yourself of doubt and unbelief. James tells us that if you are in doubt or unbelief you cannot expect to receive anything from God [James 1:6, 7]. This includes wisdom, knowledge and understanding. All of which, you receive as a result of correct communication with the Lord. A double-minded person is one who is drawn in two different directions, and his lack of consistency distances him from God. It’s not that God doesn’t want to give liberally, but rather that God is unable to give.

[5] You must have a clear conscience. The Bible has a lot to say about your conscience. If you are in sin your conscience will convict you and you will probably end up walking away from the Lord [John 8:9]. Therefore, your condition does not allow you to hear His voice. 1 Timothy 1:5 declares, “The purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience and from sincere faith.”

Romans 9:1 says “I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying; my conscience also bearing witness in the Holy Spirit.” Whenever your conscience is clear, it is in agreement with the Holy Spirit.

[6] You must acquire spiritual discernment. 1 John 4:1, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God.” All believers should be able to test every spirit in order to determine its origin. The spirits origin reveals the true nature of the spirit and consequently the true identity of the voice.

2 Timothy 2:15 tells you to, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, richly dividing the word of truth.” Studying God’s word provides an immediate availability of the sword of the spirit when engaged in spiritual warfare. But knowledge of the word also helps you to mature and acquire spiritual discernment. You need to be sure that the voice you are hearing is not the voice of your flesh, that of evil spirits or the pride of your own intellect. The word of God equips you for this task. There are many voices in the world, and in the church. You need to be discerning enough to know exactly which voice is that of God the Father. But a word of caution, never seek voices, dreams or visions.

[7] You must develop a lifestyle of worship. Worship prepares an environment wherein God Himself is pleased to inhabit. God is enthroned in the praises of His people [Psalm 22:3]. Since He is pleased to inhabit your praises, worship is the key to entering fully into His presence. Consequently, the reception is always perfect and you can hear His voice clearly.
The Hebrew word translated “inhabit” means to sit down, to remain or marry. God does not merely visit when ever you praise Him, He partners with you as with an intimate relationship. When He whispers, you will be able to hear Him and know His voice completely. You are His and He is yours!

Chris Demetriou, 15/01/2006