{"id":90485,"date":"2025-01-09T12:12:09","date_gmt":"2025-01-09T18:12:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites-stage.josh.org\/main\/?p=90485"},"modified":"2025-01-09T12:32:41","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T18:32:41","slug":"discern-gods-voice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites-stage.josh.org\/main\/discern-gods-voice\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Discern God\u2019s Voice in a Loud World"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Have you ever felt like you wanted \u2013 or needed \u2013 to speak to God one-on-one for guidance or help? With the fast pace of our lives, so many things demanding our attention, and the plethora of conflicting messages coming from culture every day, it\u2019s a challenge to discern God\u2019s voice from the others. Take heart! He has provided for us throughout history by laying the groundwork for everything that we need today \u2013 there are two main ways we can learn to discern God\u2019s voice in a loud world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

God Wants Us to Hear Him<\/b><\/p>

From the creation of humankind, God\u2019s interaction with us has been consistent \u2013 although through history it has taken on different forms. The themes of His communications are too comprehensive to discuss here, but a few stand out: 1) God wants us to know He loves us (Eph. 3:17-19); 2) He wants a relationship with us (Rev 3:20);\u00a0 and 3) in the midst of the all of the conflicting ideas that pour out of culture, He wants us to be able to discern the difference between how to live according to what\u2019s healthy and good, and the deceitful beliefs and behaviors which destroy relationships and lives (Matt 10:16).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Before eating the fruit from the forbidden tree, Adam and Eve had the privilege of speaking with God in person in the Garden of Eden. Tragically, this was lost after the fall, when, in God\u2019s holiness, they could no longer look upon Him (Exodus 33:20). Although human sin created a barrier preventing people from having the same type of interaction with God that Adam and Eve enjoyed, God continued to pursue and guide them. We know this by the many accounts of God calling and instructing them. Early on, He spoke directly to Noah and Abraham. Over time, we see judges and prophets enter the scene like Samuel and Jeremiah.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Although we don\u2019t know exactly what the experience of God personally talking to them was like, we gain a little insight from the description of God\u2019s dialogue with Job in Job 38:1: \u201cThe Lord answered Job out of a whirlwind\u2026\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Regardless of how He did it, God spoke \u2013 and it resounded. He didn\u2019t speak directly to everyone, but His messages were available to all who would receive them through the messengers He appointed. Throughout history, as these stories unfolded, God\u2019s interaction with people, along with His messages, were written down and compiled to form the Bible we have today. Both the Old and New Testaments are fascinating historical accounts of God\u2019s engagement in the lives of His people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

How to discern God\u2019s Voice: STEP ONE<\/b><\/p>

Just as God loves us and knows us better than we know ourselves, He desires for us to know Him intimately too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Equipped with the Bible, we have ample stories and messages from God to study. Knowing and correctly interpreting them teaches us about His character, how He views the world and our personal circumstances. It helps us to develop discernment between His voice and those of the world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Studying the Bible can seem overwhelming and complicated, but it doesn\u2019t have to be. By dedicating time every day \u2013 consistently, over time, you\u2019ll find that you\u2019re stronger in your understanding of God\u2019s character and nature; therefore, more discerning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Related: \u2013 <\/span>FINDING GOD IN SCRIPTURE <\/span><\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>

How to discern God\u2019s Voice: STEP TWO<\/b><\/p>

Along with our study of the Bible, the Holy Spirit serves as our modern-day guide (John 15:26). As we saw with God\u2019s presence in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, God is highly relational. He wants us to spend time with him. He pursues us. He wants us to WANT to spend time with Him. He wants to bless us and give counsel and peace, which is what we find when we seek His presence in our lives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

This is where prayer comes in. Throughout the Bible we see God\u2019s instruction for His people to seek Him, to approach Him in prayer, and to rest in Him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>