HOW CAN A BELIEVER HEAR GOD SPEAK?
JUNE 25, 2025
TEXT : That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. 1 Samuel 3:4
When we talk about hearing God’s voice, it’s important to keep in mind that we’re not referring to a sound that can be heard with our physical senses. God is a Spirit, and as such, He communicates with our spirits directly. The fact that it’s not audible in the traditional sense does not make it any less real. Those who have experienced it can attest to its authenticity, for they have been able to converse with God as a result. It’s so inwardly audible that it’s surprising that not everyone hears it. Hearing God’s voice is a spiritual phenomenon, but its reality is undeniable.
To hear the voice of God within, we must adopt a childlike heart—not childishness, but rather an attitude of openness and receptiveness. We must discard our preconceptions of a universe that is closed off from divine communication and embrace the belief that God desires to speak to us today.
The Bible does not explicitly describe the process by which the men of the Bible came to recognize God’s voice, with the exception of young Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-10). Unlike other figures, Samuel’s experience with God’s voice is detailed, showing us that he heard God’s voice in his spirit so convincingly that he thought Eli had called him. Though Eli had grown distant from God, he knew the possibility of divine communication and gave Samuel a simple piece of advice: to open his heart to the Lord and receive from Him.
The Bible’s account of Samuel’s ability to hear God’s voice with such precision is a testament to the power of spiritual closeness (1 Samuel 9:15). If God was so ready to speak intimately to those like Samuel in the old covenant, how much more will He speak to us today under the new covenant? He is ready and willing to communicate His specific message of guidance, wisdom, comfort, or peace into our lives.
The process of hearing God’s voice “inwardly” in a specific way occurs in the context of meditating on the written Word of God. Even though Joshua had experienced God’s power in tangible ways—from the awe of the burning bush to hearing the voice of God booming from Mount Sinai (Exodus 19)—he was instructed to meditate on God’s written Word day and night (Joshua 1:7-8). It was in the context of regularly immersing himself in God’s Word that Joshua was able to hear God’s voice speaking into his life situations.
Until our physical bodies and minds are perfected in the resurrection, our emotions, thoughts, and bodily limitations can hinder our discernment of God’s voice. Young Christians, in particular, may confuse their own desires or fears with God’s voice. However, the written Word of God acts as a stabilizing force, allowing us to judge the inner voice of the Spirit against God’s revealed character and will in Scripture. If the voice within us contradicts God’s Word, it cannot be of Him, as God never contradicts Himself. His Word is the benchmark for discerning His true voice.
God’s voice frequently comes to us through His written Word. A word spoken by one of His servants centuries ago can be made fresh and relevant to us by the Spirit as we read or as He brings it to our memory. A verse or passage may strike us, coming alive in our spirits. It can take what was dark and unclear and make it light, dispelling anxiety and fear. Once we experience this, we will never be the same, for God has spoken to us directly through His written Word, guided by His Spirit.
As we walk with open ears and hearts, immersed in the written Word of God, we are ready to embrace a life of simplicity and peace in Christ. Colossians 3:15 declares, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” With Christ’s peace within us, acting as the inner umpire, we become aware when we veer from His will through a spiritual “check”—a sudden absence of peace within.
God is present and speaking! Living in His peace, hearing Him through His Word, and receiving specific words of direction, wisdom, and insight in the day-to-day unfolding of life—these are the privileges we have as His children. Open your heart to Him and say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears!” Receive His messages, internalize His peace, and walk in the assurance that you are His beloved child.
SEARCHLIGHT: When we speak of hearing God’s voice, it must not be thought of as audible to our senses. God is a spirit and, therefore, communicates to our spirits.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to tune my heart and mind to the frequency of Your voice. Grant me the wisdom to recognize Your guidance and the courage to follow it.
BIBLE READING: Psalm 68-70; James 3
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
