Hearing from God
has a similar meaning to the more traditional phrase “discovering
the will of God.” However, it adds a personal
and relational aspect of communicating directly with someone we love and
who loves us. Jesus heard regularly from
the Father (Mk 1:35; Jn 5:30; 8:47; 12:49, 50). He lived in total dependence, only doing what he saw or heard the Father doing (Jn 5:19,
20a). Similarly, all God's children should be guided step by step by God. Jesus’ sheep hear his voice (Jn 10:2-5).
The early church sought God regularly in order to hear
his voice (Ac 13:1-3).
Paul emphasizes the gift of prophecy as the one we should
most desire. If we understand prophecy as basically
hearing from God, we understand why he desires this for
every one of his children. James emphasizes the great
value of listening (Jas 1:19-25), and especially of hearing the
Word of God.
Possibly the greatest
reason we do not hear from God is because we do not
know how to stop talking! We do not plan intentional times
of silence in order to hear him. Another reason is
because we are afraid of the gift of prophecy and do not
want to encourage it. This is unfortunate, since Paul was emphatic about
its importance (1 Co 14:1, 5, 12, 31, 39).
It is true, however, that all uses of the gift of prophecy need to be regulated by
Biblical norms.
Click here to learn about a simple
exercise in hearing from God in a group context. For another exercise for hearing from God on a specific topic or for a specific person, click here.
Resources
for deepening your understanding and practice of hearing
from God:
