We all have regrets, right? Things that we wish that we can go back and change? I know I do. I also know that, for me, one of the worst feelings in the world is to know that I’ve made the wrong decision, ESPECIALLY when I know if I would’ve prayed on it or, in some instances, just put my impulsion aside and WAIT before making decisions. Luckily, I’ve initiated a complete overhaul on my decision-making process. I always want God to be at the core of every decision I make. Being around like-minded Christians, one of the most used phrases you hear is some rendition of “praying on it.”
“I need to pray on it.” “Let me pray on it.” “Have you prayed on it?”
Since I’ve clearly seen what happens when I don’t consult God first, I figured praying before I act was worth a try. So, I pray, but… then what? You must wait on a response, a sign of some sort that will point you in the right direction, right? Sounds simple enough. Except, I find that very few things are black and white when it comes to Christianity. Why would this be any different? Lol. Getting into the process of praying more has opened a whole other door for me. It’s easy for me to ask myself a question and then it leads to a million other questions, especially in this walk.
At this point in my life, I’m presented with this question “How do you hear from God?”
Y’all, I kid you not. In the past couple weeks, I’ve gotten this question at least five times. After the third time, I was like, “Okay God, what is going on?” When repetition happens in my life, I know it’s God trying to get my attention. I realized that it was a call to examine and evaluate my communication system when it comes to God. Not just how I pray, but how I receive information as well. It takes two to communicate and I know the best way that I talk to God, but how does God communicate to me? For starters, I’m a firm believer that God knows his children and that He caters His communication to something you’d be able to receive. He knows exactly how to get a message to me. This is probably the most difficult concept to put into words, but I will try my best.
As previously stated, recurrence is a way that I hear from Him. He knows that sometimes things slip past me the first time and sometimes the second, so repetitive signs always make me pay more attention. Coincidences happen, sure. However, I can feel when it’s Him. If I ignore it, I’ll feel it later for sure.
I also feel like God knows how much of a logical person I am, and although sometimes to my detriment, he uses that to speak to me. He knows it’s easy for me to make connections between biblical concepts and the application of said concept. Therefore, I believe that he specifically puts me in situations that allow me to apply what He’s taught me. He speaks to me to remind me of what I learned so that I may put it into action. The feeling of knowing that I listened to Him and applied His Word to a situation is one of the best feelings in the world.
Lastly, there’s the nudge. The gut feeling. The inner voice. The angel on my shoulder. The instant feelings or thoughts that just come over me at any given moment. I want to say that’s the Holy Spirit, but then I get worried. Is that me or You God? Are these my thoughts or is this you trying to speak to me? I’m telling y’all, I legitimately used to stress so much about this. However, through diving in my Word and amazing Godly counsel, I’ve learned some identifiers that help me differentiate the two. Shout out to my good brother Rick for literally tying this together as I type this. First, God will never contradict His Word, so anything that goes against what the Bible says is definitely not Him. That’s so important to remember because it’s so easy for us to mix what we think with what God said. People are quick to say, “God told me this” or “I feel led to do that” But are you though? Or is that just you trying to put God’s stamp on something He never approved? Chiiiiiile.
So while I’m writing, usually God gives me a good read or a well-needed drag. So, let me read myself and some of you as well, I’m sure. Maybe the reason we have difficulty hearing from God is that we don’t make ourselves accessible to him. How can He speak to you through His Word if you won’t open His Word? How can He respond to our prayers if we don’t pray? I can recall the exact moment where I felt like I could literally hear Him so clearly and, sure enough, it was when I was in my Word, blocking distractions, and worshiping freely. Imagine having that feeling every day of your life. Think of how different things could be.
After shuffling around my thoughts on the matter, I’m brought back to a scripture from one of my devotionals that pretty much ties it all together.
John 8:47
“Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
That’s basically a super harsh way to say that if you can’t hear God then you’re not close enough. He doesn’t even know you if you’re not in constant communication with Him and His Word. If that is the case, you need to reevaluate how you’re digesting your Word. I know I’ve had to do it, and it’s the only way to make sure that you and He are always aligned. Then, and only then, will you be able to hear Him clearly. I obviously haven’t mastered it yet but the growth in this area of my life just makes me want to dive even deeper.
How do you hear from God? I would love to know. I’m always interested in hearing your points of view, so leave a comment and let’s talk.