Challenges in Hearing God
Hello! Let’s explore some common challenges that make it hard to hear God’s voice and how we can overcome them. We’ll use simple examples and stories to make it easy to understand, along with helpful Bible verses.
Common Obstacles to Hearing God’s Voice
- Distractions
Example: Imagine trying to listen to your friend while loud music is playing. It’s hard to focus, right? Similarly, distractions can make it hard to hear God.
Story: Jake loved playing video games and watching TV. He realized he spent so much time on these activities that he barely had time to pray or read his Bible. When he decided to set aside some quiet time each day, he began to hear God more clearly.
Scriptural Reference: “Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
Explanation: We need quiet moments to focus on God and hear His voice.
- Doubt
Example: Imagine not believing that a phone call from a friend is really for you. If we doubt that God wants to speak to us, we might not hear Him.
Story: Sarah often doubted if God really wanted to talk to her. One day, she read James 1:5-6, which encouraged her to ask God for wisdom without doubting. She decided to trust that God wanted to speak to her and began to hear Him more in her prayers and Bible readings.
Scriptural Reference: “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt.” – James 1:6
Explanation: Trusting that God wants to speak to us helps us hear His voice more clearly.
- Sin
Example: Think about a cloudy day blocking the sun. Sin can block our ability to hear God, just like clouds block the sun.
Story: Emma felt distant from God because she was holding on to anger towards a friend. When she decided to forgive her friend and ask God for forgiveness, she felt closer to God and could hear Him better.
Scriptural Reference: “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” – Psalm 66:18
Explanation: Sin can hinder our relationship with God, making it harder to hear Him.
How to Overcome Doubt and Distractions
- Create a Quiet Time
Example: Think of finding a quiet place to study where you can concentrate better. Find a quiet time and place to be with God.
Story: Lily decided to wake up 10 minutes earlier each day to have quiet time with God before school. This helped her start her day with a clear mind and a heart ready to listen.
Scriptural Reference: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” – Mark 1:35
Explanation: Setting aside quiet time helps us focus on God without distractions.
- Practice Trusting God
Example: Imagine trusting a friend to keep a secret. Trusting God means believing He wants to speak to us and guide us.
Story: Tommy struggled with doubt about hearing God. He read Proverbs 3:5-6 every day, which reminded him to trust in the Lord with all his heart. Over time, his trust grew, and so did his ability to hear God’s voice.
Scriptural Reference: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
Explanation: Trusting God helps us be more open to hearing His guidance.
- Confess and Let Go of Sin
Example: Think of cleaning a dirty window to see the view clearly. Confessing our sins clears the way to hear God better.
Story: James felt bad about lying to his parents. He confessed his lie to them and to God. After he was honest, he felt a weight lift off his shoulders and found it easier to pray and hear God.
Scriptural Reference: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Explanation: Confessing and letting go of sin helps us restore our relationship with God.
Conclusion
Hearing God’s voice can be challenging, but we can overcome obstacles by being aware of distractions, doubts, and sins. Here are the key points to remember:
- Create a Quiet Time: Find a quiet place and time to be with God.
- Practice Trusting God: Believe that God wants to speak to you.
- Confess and Let Go of Sin: Clear the way by being honest with God.
Scriptural Encouragement: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” – James 4:8
By following these steps, we can improve our ability to hear God’s voice and understand His guidance in our lives. Keep practicing, and stay open to how God wants to speak to you every day!
