HEARING GOD’S VOICE: Unlocking Divine Guidance

KEY VERSE: 

John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

 I. Introduction: The Importance of Hearing God’s Voice

To live victoriously as a believer, we must be able to hear God’s voice clearly. It is not a luxury for the few but a necessity for all. God desires to lead, guide, instruct, warn, and comfort His children through communication. Like a shepherd guiding his sheep, so does God lead His people.

                            Romans 8:14:  “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God”

Benefits of Hearing God’s Voice:

• • Divine direction, clarity, instruction, or confirmation

Isaiah 30:21: “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”

• • Avoidance of costly mistakes. In other words, it prevents wrong decisions, dangers, and

wasted efforts. (Proverbs 3:5-6, Acts 16:6-7, Jeremiah 10:23, Acts 16:6-7)

• • Deeper intimacy with God.  

Exodus 33:11: “And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend”

• • Boldness and confidence in decisions. 

Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye”

• • Increased spiritual maturity (Proverbs 1:5)

II. Biblical Ways God Speaks

1. Through His Word (The Bible)

God’s primary language is Scripture. The Bible is God’s voice in written form. Every voice or vision must align with His Word. Regular study of the Bible sharpens our spiritual hearing.

2 Timothy 3:16-17:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 

2. Through the Inner Witness

The inner witness is the gentle, non-verbal confirmation from the Holy Spirit to your spirit, giving you peace, direction, or caution. It is a quiet sense of inward knowing or assurance in your spirit that aligns with God’s will. It’s like a divine “yes” or “no” that brings peace or ease:

Romans 8:16:

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God

In Acts 27:10 Paul discerned danger through an inner witness of the Spirit. He said, “Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage…”  He didn’t hear a voice; he just had a strong inner knowing that danger was ahead. Inner witness comes from your spirit, not your mind or emotions. It brings peace (Philippians 4:7) or a gentle caution. It is consistent with the Word of God.

3. Through the Still Small Voice

God often speaks in a whisper—not through noise or drama. He speaks in the quiet places of our hearts.

1 Kings 19:12:

And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

4. Through Dreams and Visions  

God uses night visions and dreams to speak, especially when our minds are still. A dream is a series of thoughts, images, or messages given by God while a person is asleep. It’s often symbolic and may need interpretation. A vision is a supernatural picture or revelation given by God while a person is awake or in a trance-like state. It is seeing with the eyes of the spirit, often while the body is still conscious. Dreams and visions must be interpreted with discernment.

Job 33:14-16:

For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed. Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,

Acts 2:17:  

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

5. Through Prophetic Utterances

God may send a prophetic word or Spirit-inspired speech (words that do not originate from the human mind but are given by the Holy Spirit) to communicate His will). It must align with the scripture (beware of false prophet). The purpose of prophecy given by God through His servant is to edify, exhort, or comfort. Amos 3:7  

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

1 Corinthians 14:3  

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

6. Through Circumstances and Peace

God may sometimes speak through circumstances by orchestrating events, opening or closing doors, arranging divine appointments, or allowing certain situations to guide, teach, or correct His children. Though circumstances alone should not be the only basis for decision-making, God can use them to confirm His will, redirect our paths, or reveal deeper truths. Sometimes, favourable or unfavourable circumstances may be God speaking. 

In Acts 16:6-7, He used closed doors or blocked paths to redirect Paul. In Genesis 24:12-21,

Abraham’s servant finds Rebekah through a “circumstantial test,” showing God’s guidance in finding Isaac’s wife. That was a divine appointment.  What about the storm in Jonah’s life? Jonah 1:4 (KJV) says, “But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea…” Lesson: The storm was a divine circumstance used to bring Jonah to repentance and back on track. In the case of Joseph, though his circumstance looked bad, Joseph’s journey to Egypt was used by God to work out His sovereign plan. Joseph himself explained this in Genesis 50:20.

Opportunities or hindrances can be signs of divine direction. According to Revelation 3:7-8, God opens and no man shuts; He shuts and no man opens. However, in the area of circumstances, ensure you pay attention to divine patterns and inner peace. Above all, the written Word of God should always guide you.

7. Through an Audible Voice (Rare)

This is an instance where God speaks in a way that can be physically heard by the natural ears – just like hearing another person speak. It is rare but biblical. It’s often used at key moments in one’s destiny. At Jesus Baptism, God publicly declared His approval of Jesus. Mathew 3:17 says, “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” People around heard it – it was external and audible. At the Mount of Transfiguration, the disciples heard a literal voice from heaven affirming Jesus (Matthew 17:5). During Paul’s (Saul’s) Conversion in Acts 9:3-7, he heard Jesus speak audibly. Others around him also heard the sound but saw no one (Acts 9:7). Also, young Samuel heard God’s audible voice calling his name. It sounded so real that he thought Eli was calling him (1 Samuel 3:4-10).

When God speaks through an audible voice, it is clear and unmistakable. It is often accompanied by a deep sense of awe or fear of God. It may be heard by one person or by a group. It brings clarity, correction, instruction, or confirmation. It’s never contrary to the written Word of God.

III. Hindrances to Hearing God’s Voice

1. Sin and Disobedience

Isaiah 59:1-2

Sin dulls spiritual sensitivity. Repentance clears the line of communication.

2. Noise and Distractions

Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.” Busyness and noise can drown out God’s whisper.

3. Unbelief and Fear

A hardened or fearful heart resists the voice of God.

Hebrews 3:15  

While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

4. Lack of Intimacy

Distance in relationship results in spiritual deafness. Intimacy breeds sensitivity.

Matthew 13:15  

For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

IV. How to Position Yourself to Hear God Clearly

1. 1. Pursue Intimacy with God – James 4:8 Draw near through worship, prayer, and time in the Word.

• • Practice Stillness and Silence – Habakkuk 2:1

Set specific quiet time daily. Shut out distractions.

• • Develop a Lifestyle of Prayer and Fasting – Jeremiah 33:3 Fasting silences the flesh; prayer opens the spirit.

• • Meditate on the Word Daily – Joshua 1:8 Meditation tunes your heart to God’s frequency.

• • Be Filled with the Holy Spirit – John 16:13 The Spirit is the voice of God within. Fellowship with Him daily and He will guide you.

• • Practice Prompt Obedience – John 14:21 God speaks more to those who obey quickly.

• • Create a Listening Atmosphere – Exodus 33:7-11

Make your home, room, or car a sanctuary of His presence.

V. Testing and Confirming What You Hear When you sense a leading or hear a voice:

• • Does it align with Scripture? Galatians 1:8 – Even an angel must not contradict the gospel.

• • Does it glorify Jesus? John 16:14 – The Holy Spirit always points to Jesus.

• • Does it bring peace, not fear? 2 Timothy 1:7 – God’s voice brings peace, even in warning.

• • Is it confirmed by spiritual authorities or mature believers? Proverbs 11:14 – Seek wise counsel when in doubt.

VI. Practical Exercises to Grow in Hearing God’s Voice

 

1. Journaling During Devotion

• Ask God questions like “What do You want me to learn today?”
• Record impressions, Scriptures, or thoughts that come.

2. Quiet Listening Times (10–15 minutes daily)

• Sit quietly and say, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”
• Pay attention to spontaneous thoughts or Scriptures.

3. Interpret Dreams Biblically

• Keep a dream journal and pray for understanding.
• Look for Scriptural patterns in dreams.

4. Confirm With the Word

• Every impression should lead you to deeper truth in Scripture.

5. Use Spiritual Songs and Worship

• Worship creates a prophetic atmosphere.
• Many times, God speaks during or after worship.

VII. Conclusion:

God Wants to Speak to You

Hearing God is not for a few “special” people. It is your covenant right as His child. God is always speaking, but are we listening?

Revelation 3:20 — “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…” Open your heart. Make space. You will hear Him.

Prayer Points:

1. 1. Lord, open my spiritual ears to hear You clearly.

1. 1. Remove every noise, fear, and hindrance in my heart.

1. 1. Holy Spirit, sharpen my sensitivity to Your voice.

1. 1. Help me to obey Your voice swiftly and fully.