Does God speak to people today? If He does, how can you know His voice?
I believe God speaks not only through His word, but also through our hearts, circumstances, and other people. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice and they follow me” John 10:27. Isaiah wrote, “Your ears will hear a word behind you saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it” Isaiah 30:21. David said it over and over: God will lead His people.
“He LEADS me in the paths of righteousness, for His name’s sake” Psalm 23:3. “Make Your ways known to me, Lord. TEACH me Your paths. GUIDE me in Your truth and teach me” Psalm 25:4-5. “Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will SHOW him the way he should choose” Psalm 25:12. “The secret counsel of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He reveals His covenant to them” Psalm 25:14.
Here’s an interesting point: not only does God speak to His children. He also speaks to the lost.
“He shows sinners the way” Psalm 25:8.
If you believe God will speak to you, then you face the second question: how do you know what He is saying? You GROW to know His voice through experience. When I was a child, we fought to answer the phone. If I picked it up and a stranger was on the line, I would not recognize the voice. But if my father was calling, I would recognize the voice instantly.
The first time God speaks, you may be like young Samuel who heard God calling, but did not know His voice, 1 Samuel 3. But by spending time with God every day—and reading His word, which means listening to His “still, small voice,”—you will begin to recognize God’s voice. Remember, He will not contradict His word; check everything against scripture. Finally, I have often prayed this prayer:
God, it is my job to listen to You, but it is Your job to make it clear. Right now, I’m not sure this is You. If you are leading me in this way, please help me to be sure.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 