Hearing God

Almost all Humans struggle with times when life events important to them turn out differently than they expected or thought they should. Some who find themselves exasperated with their surroundings may say, “If there is a God, this event or these events would certainly not be happening.” Those who believe in Jehovah God can also drift into this spiral of uncertainty and denial. These are times when Christians can have difficulties feeling connected with God. Yes, the Holy Spirit is God and He preserved scripture as words from the creator, but sometimes once the scriptures are read and prayers offered, harmonization to one’s surroundings doesn’t seem very apparent. It can be difficult to understand why you don’t hear from God when you think you need Him most. In essence, you want the Holy Spirit to hear you or give attention to you and act to relieve your difficulties caused by the embattled situation. After all, this is part of what is involved in “hearing.” But hearing is not only listening; hearing demands a response. Perhaps you have tried all the pathways you know to find some calm and solace in your struggles, but nothing results. You might even assume God, the Trinity doesn’t care. Amalgamated in this description of hearing is a reflection of what God has said; if this describes you, please be encouraged today that even when God’s voice is difficult to hear, He can absolutely be trusted to provide, lead, and guide you at every time and in every surrounding. If we want God to “hear” us, how does He understand the concept of “hearing”? In Scripture, when God "hears", He pays attention to His people and their surroundings and responds at the proper time. While His people should also pay attention to Him and respond to His desires, many times they do not. Hearing is the mode by which the Son of God and his followers receive God's word. First, “Hearing” implies response and the proper response is obedience. In past examples, obedience. In past examples, God hears both his people's groaning in trouble (Gen. 16:11; Exod. 2:24; 3:7; 6:5; Psa. 69:33; 102:20) and their grumbling against him (Exod. 16:7-9; Num. 14:27). Throughout Scripture God hears his people's prayers (1 Kngs. 8:31-53; Psa. 34:15, cf. 1 Pet. 3:12. Since God consistently hears his people, His people should also hear him, or pay attention and obey Him. The prophets frequently call Israel to "hear the word of the Lord." Often in Deuteronomy, Moses calls on Israel to hear, especially in the Shema (Deut. 6:4-5; cf. 4:1; 5:1; 9:1; 20:3; 27:9 ). The Holy Spirit comes through the "hearing of faith" (Gal. 3:2; 3:5; cf. Acts 2:37-41). Those who become believers should go on to maturity, not being "dull in hearing" (Heb. 5:11) or remaining only hearers of the truth (Jas. 1:22-25; cf. Rom. 2:13; Matt. 7:24-27; Matt. 13:19). Believers should especially avoid turning from hearing the truth, listening to false teachers who will scratch their "itching ears" (lit. "itching hearing" 2 Tim. 4:3-4). Hearing from God often means we must refocus our desires to be more in line with His desires. If we will ask, the resident Holy Spirit will help us achieve this as we move along our unique individual spiritual journey. You have trusted your future to Jesus and He lives within you as the Holy Spirit, but sometimes you face choices, important choices, and the best decision seems elusive, at best. Even when you have difficulty hearing God’s voice, remember, He can absolutely be trusted to lead, direct, and provide for you in every season; He knows your needs and challenges. In these times, one comes to realize that the decisions going forward are ones they must make. There are a number of actions you can take. First, have an open conversion with God. You should tell Him all that you are feeling. While He knows what is in your heart, this part of the conversation will help you to organize and express your own thoughts. Next, you need a reply from God. This is gained by reading God’s Word, asking the Holy Spirit for application to your present situation, and responding to direction consistent with scripture.