Positioning Yourself to Hear From God
In the course of my ministry life, I have met many people who claim never to have received a prompting or sense a whisper from God. Not even once. Yet, when I probe a bit deeper, I discover that the reason why is that they have not positioned themselves to be able to hear from God.
The fact is, while we can’t force God to speak, we can at least create an environment where we can hear Him when He chooses to speak.
While we can’t force God to speak, we can at least create an environment where we can hear Him when He chooses to speak.
Here are some ways that I’ve discovered that help me toward that end.
1. Carve out intentional times of silence and solitude.
Time and again the Scriptures tell us to be still. “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). For all too many their time with the Lord is hurried and crowded with people and noise. The “still, small voice” still speaks, but we need to make room for it to be heard.
2. Invite God to speak to you.
Start by acknowledging that God is present and with you. I often use the words of I Samuel 3:10, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
This creates a sense of holy anticipation as you look forward to whatever “word” He might want to share with you. Having this expectation sharpens your spiritual reception.
3. Make sure your relational circuits are open.
Relational Circuits (or RCs) are the part of the brain that helps us to connect and interact with others – including God. Our RCs allow us to perceive God’s desire to be with us, and when they are “on,” we can then experience Him. Conversely, when we are more focused on the problem or the pain, we might not be in a relational state that is receptive to interaction with God.
One example of this is the account in Luke 24 we read of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus on that first Easter who failed to recognize that it was Jesus who was speaking to them due to the tragic events they had witnessed.
So, it’s important to make sure our relational circuits are “on.” Gratitude and praise are the best ways to do this. Which leads to the next point.
4. Practice interactive gratitude to kickstart your interaction with God.
I have begun using this every time I have my devotions. (See related post)
Scripture tells us to “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise” (Ps. 100:4). I think the reason behind this is more than simply my response to Him. It prepares me to hear a response from Him.
Gratitude is more than simply my response to God. It prepares me to hear a response from God.
Here’s how it works. As I begin my time with the Lord, I take a moment and ask the Spirit to help me recall a moment of gratitude from the previous day. It can be big or small – just as long as it creates a joy-filled response. When that memory comes to mind, I take the time to write it down in a conversational manner, thanking the Lord for it.
For example, “Lord, today I am so grateful that my friend called me yesterday with a word of encouragement. It was so timely. It gave me such hope. This reminds me that You are always watching me and looking for ways to meet me at a point of need.”
Once you have written down your thanksgiving, pause for a moment and reflect on what you wrote. Now, ask God what He would say to you regarding that. Begin writing, but don’t filter your thoughts. Just allow His Spirit to lead you. Focus on putting down what you sense His response is to your gratitude.
For example, “My dear son, Dave, I am so pleased that you were encouraged by your friend. It was I who prompted him because I knew you needed an affirming word. I am ever watching over you and always for you. Allow that friend’s word to verify my love for you.”
I have found that beginning my quiet time with God in this way opens up my relational circuits no matter how great the pain or big the problems. And this sets the stage for any other prompts or whispers that the Lord might want to share with me.
5. Begin making your Bible reading a dialogue.
After you read and reflect on a passage, look for the immediate application and take note of it. But, before you move on, stop and say to the Lord, “If you have anything You want to say to me personally about this text, I’m very eager to hear it.” Then be open to what might come to mind.
It may be a whisper of admonishment, “My son, this is an area that you need to lean into. For too long you have hesitated to obey. Realize that I give you this word for your good. Receive it as such.” It may be a word of encouragement, “My son, I see you. I am with you. I will act on your behalf.”
Once you get into a rhythm of sensing God’s prompts and hearing His whispers within the confines of your quiet time, you are then more likely to receive them outside your quiet time.
Am I always absolutely sure that it’s the Lord? No. Which is why I very seldom declare, “God spoke to me today.” But I can say, “I think I had a moment when it seemed that God had a word for me.”
And when this becomes part of the fabric of your life, it creates a beautiful tapestry of relationship between a loving Father and a cherished child.
When hearing from God becomes part of the fabric of your life, it creates a beautiful tapestry of relationship between a loving Father and a cherished child.
The Everyday Pastor Blog is brought to you by our partners.
To support Dave DeSelm Ministries by becoming a partner, CLICK HERE.