Hearing God

When I gave my life to God in 2010, I was immersed in God's Word; I was eating, breathing, sleeping, and living in the Bible! I'd read the Bible when I woke up, during meals, as soon as I got home, and right up until bedtime. God was speaking to me so much during this time, feeding me and filling me up and my cup was overflowing (Psalm 23:5). I liken it to a long distance relationship. Imagine the joy you feel talking with them on the phone--then having to abruptly end the conversation because of work or school, but then picking up right where you left off. It was marvelous! I can't exactly explain the hunger and desire I had for God at that time; I just wanted to learn more about Him and get to know Him more. Haven't you ever talked to your spouse for hours on the phone? The best way I can explain it is to relate it to a dating relationship; however, let me speak on some more points by referring to scripture. 1 Peter 2:2 tells us to crave the spiritual milk that will help us grow in our salvation. I believe I was unsubconsciously craving God's spiritual milk. Reading God's Word was like reading a letter from the love of your life, and at that time, God was closer than I had ever felt before. Additionally, I knew without a doubt that He was with me and that He loved me.

In getting to know Him, He was showing me His might, love, power, forgiveness, mercy, and grace. I would pray and He would answer, or He would answer even before the prayer left my mouth. He would answer my thoughts, and heart-prayers (those I just said in my heart), all of which was building my faith and foundation. As I learned about Him, I also found my identity in Christ. Maybe we could call it the honeymoon stage. My desire is for all of you to experience this. God can trump and outdo any wonderful thing someone has ever done for you! (Oh how I love watching people go through this phase, when they first become a believer.) It's so incredible and magnificent! His Word is true! It says God rewards those who earnestly seek him, but He also reminds us that without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists (Hebrews 11:6).

As you continue to grow and develop your relationship with God, He will speak to you in different ways. God uses variety of methods; however, the way or method God chooses to speak to you may not be the same as how He speaks to me. But don't fret, He will do it in a way that you understand. Of course, God will continue to speak to us through the Bible or sermons, but let me remind you that God is the Author, Creator, and Maker, meaning, He is creative and will find very unique ways to speak to us. For instance, He can speak to us through children, dreams, other people, circumstances, events, feelings, and so forth (I will post separately to speak about this). Yet, it begins with having a relationship with God. We must seek Him and get to know Him on a personal level. The more you converse with Him, the faster you will begin to recognize His voice, characteristics and nature. John 10:27 says my sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I don't audibly hear God like Samuel did when the Lord was calling him (1 Samuel 3); the Holy Spirit speaks to my spirit. It's a knowing I have, just like how a person has a gut feeling, or how we hear from our conscience. We know it although we can explain it. When you get to know someone really well, you will be able to finish their thoughts or sentences. For instance, a lot of the lessons and messages I share with you all is not something that I just randomly come up with myself. I pray before each post to ask God to speak to you all, and to give me the message He wants to share. God gives me the wisdom, knowledge, revelation, and understanding. Hearing God takes time, desire, and commitment.

Still, no matter how long you've walked with God, it's important to make sure what you're hearing is indeed of God and not of  yourself, or anything else. If you are unsure if God is speaking to you, pray and ask Him. Pray for God to speak to you in a way that you will understand and also pray for discernment, as we know the enemy disguises himself like an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Also, check to see if what you're hearing lines up with the Bible. I also frequently check with other believers in Christ to see if they are discerning or understanding something the way that I am. Have other believers pray and see what God speaks to them; this is a good way to seek confirmation. God will speak to you, and most of the time you will just know. Furthermore, sometimes we are too busy, stressed, worried, or distracted to hear from God. We have other things blocking our view and our hearing; we can't multitask and still hear from God. Take some time and get to a quiet place with God, even if that means getting off Facebook for a few days. Slow down, and also, stop doing all the talking. God won't speak over you. So clear your minds, be still and let Him speak. He knows the way to your heart.

Let us pray.

Father of God, Almighty Author,

We thank You that You take time to speak to us, and allow us to get to know You. Lord, some of the readers have never heard from you, while others aren't sure if you're speaking to them. I pray that you will comfort them and give them a knowing. Speak directly to their hearts. Some of them want you to speak to them, but can't hear you through the busyness and distractions of life. Help them get the place in which they can hear you. Clear their minds and calm their hearts. Speak to them in the method that is best for them. Speak to them through your Word, and other people. You are tangible Lord. Thank you for giving us Your son, that enables us to be able to come to You directly. We can all have a relationship with You, and hear from You. Let the readers grow as I did when I first began my relationship with you. Thank you Lord, we praise You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Prayerfully,

Pam