I remind you again today of the 4 KEYS TO HEARING GOD’S VOICE
1. STILLNESS
2. VISION
3. SPONTANEOUS THOUGHTS
4. JOURNALING
I wonder why it is so easy for us to recognize the voice of the devil and not that of God. Truth be told, we all have come to recognize that if the enemy speaks, he does so through our thoughts and we recognize he is the one when the thoughts are out of line with the revealed will of God. There are a few characteristics of the spontaneous voice of God that I will like to share. While there are more,these are sufficient for this space.
INSPIRATIONAL– According to 2 Timothy 3:16, all scripture is given by inspiration of God. 2 Peter 1:21 describes it as “..holy men spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” The writers of scripture had their minds and mouths flooded with words that did not emanate from their own logic.
SCRIPTURAL – God will never speak out of line with His Word. The scriptures as encapsulated in the Old Testament were the reference for the Lord Jesus and His Apostles. Other writers of the New Testament based their authority on the fact that they were writing in line with what was written. Even then, to recognize the voice of God, we must prove every spontaneous thought with the Word of God. That is why it is very important to renew our minds(Romans 12:2) which is only possible by letting the Word of Christ dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:16).
PEACEFUL – Thoughts in line with the Word impart life and peace to us(Romans 8:6). Thoughts that generate guilt, condemnation, shame, low self esteem and confusion are not the will of God. His voice certainly does correct at times but the Holy Spirit does not condemn us. The voice of God speaks in line with the finished work of Calvary where God’s grace brought us into unconditional love, acceptance and justification.
HOLY – The psalmist says, “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” God’s voice will always lead in paths of righteousness bearing the fruit of holiness. God will never guide us into sin, immorality but against such. His Spirit will rather warn us against it. Walking in the Spirit is the path of victory over the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
FAITH BUILDING – If it is God, it will impart the faith to act upon it to you for faith comes by hearing (Romans 1:17). One of the best ways to confirm God is speaking to you is the faith you receive to act upon it. Even in the face of fear,the force of the conviction will give you the courage to do it.
Acting upon the voice of God comes with the witness of the Spirit in our hearts assuring us that we are in the Centre of His Will. If it is God, His peace and joy will goad us on and if it is not, a sense of unrest and agitation will seize our hearts.
Open up your heart in stillness and expectation and you will regularly hear from heaven.