Biblical Foundations on Hearing the Voice of God
Hello! Today, let’s talk about how we can hear God’s voice. This means understanding how God communicates with us. We’ll use simple examples and stories to make it easy, and look at what the Bible says about it.
Key Scriptures that Discuss Hearing God’s Voice
- God Speaks in Many Ways
Scriptural Reference: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” – Hebrews 1:1-2
Explanation: This verse tells us that God speaks in different ways. He spoke through prophets in the past and now speaks to us through Jesus.
- Listening to God’s Voice
Scriptural Reference: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27
Explanation: Jesus compares us to sheep who listen to their shepherd’s voice. We are His sheep, and He is our shepherd, guiding us.
- Being Still to Hear God
Scriptural Reference: “Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
Explanation: Sometimes we need to be quiet and calm to hear God speaking to us.
Examples of God Speaking to People in the Bible
- God Speaks to Moses
Story: Moses was taking care of sheep when he saw a burning bush. God spoke to him from the bush and told him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
Scriptural Reference: “When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am.'” – Exodus 3:4
Explanation: God used a burning bush to get Moses’ attention and then spoke to him directly.
- God Speaks to Samuel
Story: Samuel was a young boy living in the temple. One night, God called him, but Samuel thought it was the priest Eli. After Eli realized it was God calling, he told Samuel to listen and respond.
Scriptural Reference: “The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.'” – 1 Samuel 3:10
Explanation: God called Samuel by name and gave him a message. Samuel learned to listen to God’s voice.
- God Speaks to Elijah
Story: Elijah was a prophet who felt alone and discouraged. God told him to stand on a mountain, and then God spoke to him in a gentle whisper, not in a powerful wind, earthquake, or fire.
Scriptural Reference: “And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.” – 1 Kings 19:12-13
Explanation: God sometimes speaks in a quiet and gentle way, and we need to listen carefully.
Practical Examples and Stories
- Listening in Prayer
Example: Imagine talking to a friend on the phone. You not only talk but also listen. Prayer is like that; we talk to God and also need to listen for His response.
Story: Lily prayed every night, telling God about her day. One evening, she decided to be silent for a few minutes after praying. In the quiet, she felt God reminding her to be kind to a new student at school. The next day, she helped the new student, who became a good friend.
- Reading the Bible
Example: Think of the Bible as a letter from God. When we read it, we hear what God wants to say to us.
Story: Jake was feeling sad and worried. He opened his Bible and read Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.” Reading this made him feel comforted, like God was telling him everything would be okay.
- Through Other People
Example: Sometimes God speaks to us through other people, like friends, family, or teachers.
Story: Emma was unsure about a big decision. Her grandmother told her a story from the Bible about trusting God. Emma realized God was speaking to her through her grandmother’s wisdom.
Conclusion
Hearing God’s voice is an important part of our faith. The Bible shows us that God speaks in many ways: through prayer, the Bible, and other people. Just like Moses, Samuel, and Elijah, we need to listen carefully and be open to hearing from God. Remember, sometimes God speaks in a quiet whisper, so we need to be still and listen.
Scriptural Encouragement: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” – Jeremiah 33:3
Keep your heart open and listen for God’s voice in your daily life. He is always ready to guide and speak to you!
