Hearing from God

[RachelP03]

I have realized that over the past year that some hear God, some feel God, some hear God through their heart and I'm sure there are more out there in different ways of God speaking to people. I know my grandpa is a Godly man, but he says to this day he has never heard Gods voice, but just feel things in his heart. I have heard God speak to me, not outloud in a voice, but in my heart, in my head.....idk how to explain it.

But I have realized the past year, the closer I walk with God, the less I Hear from Him. I get discouraged and I pray for guidance and I know I'm doing what God wants me to do, but when I don't hear Him, I get super discouraged. The last time I heard God speak to me was back in November and He told me to NOT do something. I did ask, and He did answer, but I feel like lately, life is just boring and I'm not understanding certain things. Honestly, I'm not quiet sure even what I want to hear, but just if something from a year ago was truth from Him or if it wasn't.

My question is, why do you think sometimes God is silent with us? Or why he stops talking the closer we are to Him? I am actively seeking Him and listening. Ive been so confused the past year walking with Him, and I don't know why Im so confused, why I haven't heard a direct answer or seen a direct answer. Its like the more time goes by, the more confused I get.

 

[G4JC]

I don't always "hear" from God either, but we can know and trust in His Word. We should try not to base experiences on our walk with Christ, this is commonly known as experiential-based salvation; just because we do not "feel" God, does not mean he is not listening and caring for us.

A quote from GotQuestions here:

God speaking audibly is the exception, not the rule. Even in the biblically recorded instances of God speaking, it is not always clear whether it was an audible voice, an inner voice, or a mental impression.

God does speak to people today. First, God speaks to us through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Isaiah 55:11 tells us, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” The Bible is God’s Word, everything we need to know in order to be saved and live the Christian life. Second Peter 1:3 declares, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

God can also “speak” to us through events—i.e., He can guide us through arranging our circumstances. And God helps us to discern right from wrong through our consciences (1 Timothy 1:5;1 Peter 3:16). God is in the process of conforming our minds to think His thoughts (Romans 12:2). God allows events to occur in our lives to direct us, change us, and help us to grow spiritually (James 1:2–5;Hebrews 12:5–11). First Peter 1:6–7reminds us, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

God may sometimes speak audibly to people. It is highly doubtful, though, that this occurs as often as some people claim it does. Again, even in the Bible, God speaking audibly is the exception, not the ordinary. If anyone claims that God has spoken to him or her, always compare what is said with what the Bible says. If God were to speak today, His words would be in full agreement with what He has said in the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16–17). God does not contradict Himself.

Source: Does God still speak to us today?

Because He is God, He is not confined to a single manner of communicating with His people. Elsewhere in Scripture, He is said to communicate through a whirlwind (Job 38:1), to announce His presence by an earthquake (Exodus 19:18), and to speak in a voice that sounds like thunder (1 Samuel 2:10, Job 37:2, Psalm 104:7, John 12:29). In Psalm 77:18, His voice is compared to both thunder and whirlwind. And in Revelation 4:5, we’re told that lightning and thunder proceed from the throne in heaven.

Nor is God limited to natural phenomena when He speaks. All through Scripture, He speaks through His prophets over and over. The common thread in all the prophets is the phrase, “Thus says the Lord…”. He speaks through the writers of Scripture. Most graciously, however, He speaks through His Son, the Lord Jesus. The writer to the Hebrews opens his letter with this truth: “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world” (Hebrews 1:1-2).

The difference between God speaking through the thunder and whirlwind, then through the still small voice can be also considered as showing the difference between the two dispensations of law and grace. The law is a voice of terrible words and was given amidst a tempest of wind, thunder, and lightning, attended with an earthquake, Hebrews 12:18-24, but the Gospel is a gentle voice of love, grace, and mercy, of peace, pardon, righteousness, and the free gift of salvation through Christ. The law breaks the rocky hearts of men in pieces, shakes their consciences, and fills their minds with a sense of God’s fiery wrath and punishment they deserve, and then the gospel speaks gently to them of the peace and pardon available in Christ.

It is less important how God speaks to us than what we do with what He says. God speaks most clearly to us in this day through His Word. The more we learn it, the more ready we will be to recognize His voice when He speaks, and the more likely we are to obey what we hear.

Source: What does it mean that God speaks in a still small voice?

 

[Mitspa]

I have realized that over the past year that some hear God, some feel God, some hear God through their heart and I'm sure there are more out there in different ways of God speaking to people. I know my grandpa is a Godly man, but he says to this day he has never heard Gods voice, but just feel things in his heart. I have heard God speak to me, not outloud in a voice, but in my heart, in my head.....idk how to explain it.

But I have realized the past year, the closer I walk with God, the less I Hear from Him. I get discouraged and I pray for guidance and I know I'm doing what God wants me to do, but when I don't hear Him, I get super discouraged. The last time I heard God speak to me was back in November and He told me to NOT do something. I did ask, and He did answer, but I feel like lately, life is just boring and I'm not understanding certain things. Honestly, I'm not quiet sure even what I want to hear, but just if something from a year ago was truth from Him or if it wasn't.

My question is, why do you think sometimes God is silent with us? Or why he stops talking the closer we are to Him? I am actively seeking Him and listening. Ive been so confused the past year walking with Him, and I don't know why Im so confused, why I haven't heard a direct answer or seen a direct answer. Its like the more time goes by, the more confused I get.

I think you could hear from Him now...go ask Him if He loves you? You will hear Him

 

[1joseph]

I have realized that over the past year that some hear God, some feel God, some hear God through their heart and I'm sure there are more out there in different ways of God speaking to people. I know my grandpa is a Godly man, but he says to this day he has never heard Gods voice, but just feel things in his heart. I have heard God speak to me, not outloud in a voice, but in my heart, in my head.....idk how to explain it.

But I have realized the past year, the closer I walk with God, the less I Hear from Him. I get discouraged and I pray for guidance and I know I'm doing what God wants me to do, but when I don't hear Him, I get super discouraged. The last time I heard God speak to me was back in November and He told me to NOT do something. I did ask, and He did answer, but I feel like lately, life is just boring and I'm not understanding certain things. Honestly, I'm not quiet sure even what I want to hear, but just if something from a year ago was truth from Him or if it wasn't.

My question is, why do you think sometimes God is silent with us? Or why he stops talking the closer we are to Him? I am actively seeking Him and listening. Ive been so confused the past year walking with Him, and I don't know why Im so confused, why I haven't heard a direct answer or seen a direct answer. Its like the more time goes by, the more confused I get.

I suggest when you feel confused get in His Word. Get a good study Bible if you don't have one. It will help explain what the verses are saying if they are not clear to you, making it easier to understand and to get excited about. You can also look up key words in the back, something your struggling with or have questions about, and it will give you scripture references for those words. One section also gives you a portion of the scripture right there with the word so can decide right then which ones you want to look up, which saves time. I been using "Life Application Study Bible, New International Version for years now. I like it. But there are many good ones available and are well worth the money---$40-$50.

I usually use the computer for reference when I'm on CC but prefer a hard copy Bible when studying the Word. It's quieter---away from the rest of the family---and I can focus better, as well as hear the Lords whispers and gentle promptings.

 

[Angela53510]

Are you reading the Bible consistently? More than anything, God speaks through his Word, in the dry times and the times of feeling close to God.

Being disciplined to seek God in his Word is the life pattern God wants us to establish in our lives. God's word is our food, it is a lamp, it is a light, and it is the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Sometimes we want specific confirmation, but God has other plans. It sounds like God has already told you something and now you are doubting it. Gideon got away with that, asking God twice about the fleece showing something different, but God had a purpose for the people of Israel, and he needed Gideon to do exactly what he said.

Rather than asking God again and again for the same thing, in your life, ask God for something much bigger - like his purpose and will for you. Mission field or prayer warrior? Evangelist or helper? What can you do for God, not what can God do for you! I know if you seek God with right motives, he will answer you in ways you cannot imagine.

 

[RachelP03]

You are right!!!! I read everything it seems like but the actual Bible and I feel like God has been knocking on my heart with that for awhile now and I guess its time I listen and then maybe I will hear. Its crazy how I should listen to something so simple. I read devotions and my church class books and everything else with scripture, but not the actual bible. That is going to be my goal, thank you for reminding me!!!

 

[RickyZ]

The reason many feel they 'hear' from Him less as their walk progresses is because as you mature in Christ, He speaks more into your heart and less into your ears.

 

[MatthiasProctor]

I can understand what you are saying. I think I "hear" God, not physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It's like a feeling. There was a church that I used to go to where the deacon had a similar feeling. He had a sudden urge to buy some milk, drive into a dangerous neighborhood, and deliver the milk to a couple he never met. When he delivered the milk to the couple, instead of being rejected by them, they were thanking the deacon; for they had a child but were unable to have enough money to buy some milk. I believe it is possible for God to speak to you in your dreams.

You should definitely read the Bible more. For translations, I recommend the King James Version (KJV) or at least the New King James Version (NKJV). But do not buy the NIV version for the NIV bible has left out important verse of the bible. Ask for God to grant you wisdom so that you can better understand the bible. Make sure to pray everyday for prayer can help you to increase in the holy spirit. You should also try fasting at least two to three times a week for it can help you to humble yourself before God and can make your prayers more effective. Another way to try to hear God is to ask him, in prayer, for a revelation in your dreams, right before you go to bed.

But be careful about these revelations. Some of these may not be from God, but can be from our own thoughts or from Satan's deception. Should you face such a problem, pray to God for discernment and for confirmation. Pray to God so that he can seal your thoughts so that you can hear him easier. If you have a sudden thought about a Bible verse that is relevant to the revelation, then chances are, it is from God.

 

[psalm6819]

You are right!!!! I read everything it seems like but the actual Bible and I feel like God has been knocking on my heart with that for awhile now and I guess its time I listen and then maybe I will hear. Its crazy how I should listen to something so simple. I read devotions and my church class books and everything else with scripture, but not the actual bible. That is going to be my goal, thank you for reminding me!!!

GM, RachelP, God has already answered you-He gave you wisdom!!!! You are a smart girl, you hit the nail on the head when you recognizes reading the Bible and not commentaires and/or peoples opinions and thier opinions about thier opinions and thier opinions about other peoples opinions and thier opinions about others peoples opinions of thier opinions ....see how God's Word gets lost in the shuffle?

Sometimes I just rumininate on a comfort scripture like the 23 Psalm. I put a picture in my head, I personalize it, the more I see His love, the closer I draw to Him.

He loves His little ones. . You are one of His little ones, RachelP.

 

[1joseph]

You are right!!!! I read everything it seems like but the actual Bible and I feel like God has been knocking on my heart with that for awhile now and I guess its time I listen and then maybe I will hear. Its crazy how I should listen to something so simple. I read devotions and my church class books and everything else with scripture, but not the actual bible. That is going to be my goal, thank you for reminding me!!!

I'm glad you are interested in getting in the Bible. And hey, I know it's mentally tough. I mean, who wants to read "the bible." It's old, hard to comprehend---talking in parables and such---and...and it's heavy. Geesh! It's like, "reading the bible" is something you would make someone do if you wanted to torcher them.

But oooh what a Book it is! (tearing up here).......................................................................whooowh

The thing is, it's alive!

It's the Living Word of God. It opens our eyes---our understanding---and speaks to each of us individually, giving each of us understanding of what we need at a given point in our life, whether it is right then, while we're reading it, or at a point in the future. How-cool-is-that? Spending time with your Lord in His word with a study bible, to help answer your questions, will indeed draw you into His Presence.

The scripture is God's Word. I don't think it matters how you get scripture---through devotions, church class books, etc.---as long as you get it. "The book" is just a binding that holds God's Word together. So, have a study Bible available to read or in case the scripture your reading from another source raises questions that you want answers to.

note: You mentioned being bored. In my life when I felt bored not long after God grew me.

 

[sassylady]

I think a big mistake we can make is thinking we have to do something in order to get Him to speak, or bless us, etc. It's not based on what we do but His love and grace toward us. So you don't need to feel like you are not doing enough or you did something wrong. It's not an equation where this plus this makes this happen. He hears you and knows you want to hear from Him. He will speak when it is time and you will not miss it.

 

[breno785au]

What can you do for God, not what can God do for you! I know if you seek God with right motives, he will answer you in ways you cannot imagine.

I'm finding peace that it's also not about what I can do FOR God but about what I can do WITH Him

 

[1joseph]

I know if you seek God with right motives, he will answer you in ways you cannot imagine.

Yes, "...in ways you cannot imagine"......and even in the tiniest details....

...and sometimes He is so hilarious in what He brings about that it causes me to rejoice in audible laughter. (I love that about Him!)


His love has reached us all.

 

[Yeraza_Bats]

I have heard Gods voice 3 times in my life. Other than that, it has always been something like an uplifting of the heart, an encouraged feeling, a release of something causing anxiety (not to be lewd, but an example being strong arousal), with a dream, and one time by by a physical affect on something....uhh.. physical. God has often comforted me in one way or another. I do believe that He does with all His follower, but they dont believe it happened, or question it, tell themselves its just a feeling and is illogical. I believe that if you truly reach out to Him, He will always guide you. You may have a thought put into your head, you may have your heart lifted, you may suddenly have an anxiety go away, you may have a vision, a pray answered, something youd never imagine come into your life, a hardship that gives you a strong lesson, He can reach you in anyway He wants. But, like the bible says, you have to actually /believe/ Hes there for you, and not fall into the ways of the earth.

But also beware, there are other beings trying to guide you into lawlessness as well. And they arent coming at you like the monsters you see on tv, they come at you as angels of light, trying to comfort you into evil.

But think about it, the whole world is literally pulling at you to not believe. We are told we are foolish and naive to believe in Him. We have many false religions being thrown at us, all to confuse us, and even in our heads, every single one of us has had the thought "its impossible" pushed on us, yet we believe anyways, and hold on to Him. Dont you think that is Him calling to us? I believe God has talked to everyone at /some/ point, but only a few want to listen.

 

[didymos]

I have realized that over the past year that some hear God, some feel God, some hear God through their heart and I'm sure there are more out there in different ways of God speaking to people...

Possibly, but:

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1/NIV)

[SUP]19 [/SUP]Do not quench the Spirit. [SUP]20 [/SUP]Do not treat prophecies with contempt [SUP]21 [/SUP]but test them all; hold on to what is good, [SUP]22 [/SUP]reject every kind of evil. (1 Tess 5:19-22/NIV)

Be as the Berean jews who

[SUP]11 [/SUP]... were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (Acts 17:11/NIV)


In short, make sure to test everything through scripture.