Hearing God’s Voice Above the Noise 

I attend one of the greatest churches in the world . . . at least I think so. But that’s for another convo. This weekend, my friend and amazing campus pastor Tina Davis ministered a word on Hearing the Voice of God. Far too often, we fail to hear God, not because He’s not speaking, but because we’re not listening.

Tina reminded us that there is a difference between “hearing” and “listening.” Hearing is one of the five senses. You can’t but to hear someone speaking so long as you’re not deaf. Listening, however, is a whole ‘nother thing.  It takes effort and a decision to listen.

My 14 year-old son, God bless him . . . Okay, I’m back. My 14 year-old son, Chris is very “forgetful.” I’ll give him a simple task like, “Wash out your bowl when you’re done eating.” Somehow that bowl ends up in the sink anyway.

“Chris, did you hear me when I said wash out your bowl?”

“Huh? . . .” is usually his reply. “You said wash out my bowl? I thought you meant put it in the sink.”

If you’re a parent of a teenager, your hands are probably up in the air right now. You have those conversations at your house too?!

Why We Fail In Hearing God’s Voice

Hearing God’s voice is a privilege granted to all. God doesn’t just speak to pastors or priests or really, really good people. God speaks to everyone. Yep, even the worst, slimiest person you know. He wants to be heard. He wants us to listen. He’s got such great things to tell us.

So why do we fail in hearing God’s voice?

1. Our priorities are out of whack. Many times we simply don’t make time to hear from God. We’re too busy . . . we’ll get to it later . . . we already heard Him speak last week . . . the list goes on.

2. We’re afraid. Some of us have guilty consciences. We know what we did last summer, LOL. And we’re scared to death of what God might say to us if we still ourselves long enough to listen.

3. We’re confused. I’m gonna keep it real. There are times when I hear “a voice” in my conscience. But I’m confused on the speaker. “Is that you God?” I wonder. Maybe it’s Satan (it usually is if it’s something I don’t want to hear or do!). Or maybe it’s just wise ol’ me. Right. Discerning the voice of God is a skill we should all hone. Don’t be confused. God reveals Himself if we’re truly open to knowing and hearing His voice.

These are just 3 reasons that keep us from hearing God’s voice. I’m sure you can come up with some more.

Let’s all do ourselves a huge favor and practice hearing God’s voice . .  no, make that listening to His voice. Our lives will become much more fulfilling, defined and on purpose when we do.

If this blog has touched you, please share it and as always, your comments are always welcome.