When He Speaks : Five keys to remaining sensitive and responsive to God's voice

Have you ever found yourself in your own little world? Either you're thinking about today's agenda, contemplating what you'll be eating for lunch, deeply engrossed in a book, texting, or staring avidly at your iPhone screen as you check your Facebook or Twitter news feed. Or, if you're like me, you're looking at the ground as you walk just to make sure you don't trip on the obstacle course in front of you.

If any or all scenarios such as these resonate with you, has this "in my own little world" dilemma ever resulted in your oblivion to someone calling your name or saying hello?  At times it registers soon enough for you to acknowledge them back, but other times you are about 15 seconds too late and the opportunity has come and gone.  I know I have had my fair share of those unfortunate circumstances. Light bulb turns on, head whips back, smile forms, hand raises for a brief wave.....and aww bummer! The person's gone. #awkwardmoment #sadday

As I reflect on situations like these, I am reminded of the subject of God's voice. The older we get the more we realize that there's a distinct difference between hearing and listening. You see, we hear a lot of things on a daily basis, but we have a choice as to what we listen to. Through the hustle and bustle of life we often tune out the unwanted or mundane sounds. However, it is my prayer and challenge that we will never become ignorant of the voice of God. This voice is no ordinary voice that only speaks when necessary. This voice speaks every second, every minute, every hour of the day providing counsel, discernment, and endless comfort. It is merely a matter of us tuning in. 

My dad once said,"Hearing God's voice is less of an art and more a desire of the heart." The older I get the more I hunger and long for God's direction. I find myself praying this over and over again: "Less of me and more of you, oh God." Phrases like these are easy to recite, but when it comes to  implementation it's no easy task.

Here are 5 keys to remaining sensitive and responsive to God's voice: 


1. Desire and Faith - In order for us to hear God's voice we must have a passionate desire to attentively listen to His words and the faith that He will speak.  If we lack these key elements, we become closed off and almost numb to the voice of God. We were given free will--we were not designed in a robot factory nor were we created with puppet strings attached. God is not a god of force. Therefore, the choice is ours. Do we continue to live our lives as we please and remain ignorant to His instruction or do we continually seek God out for guidance and direction?  Do you desire to hear from God? Do you believe that as you seek you will find?  

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." - Matthew 7:7-8

2. Vision - Attempt to see things through God's eyes. Ask Him to provide clarity--to clear your vision and increase your understanding of why things are happening the way they are. Sometimes our plans don't align with reality, but in moments like these, God is trying to reveal something to us. The key is will we rely upon our own understanding or preconceived ideas to navigate our way through situations? We tend to see what's right in front of us, but God sees the big picture and every microscopic detail in between. He sees the entire scope....the grand spectrum...the beginning and the end. Trust Him and watch him bring clarity to the complexities of your everyday life.

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.." - Ephesians 1:18

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

3. Surrender - What does "surrender" mean? Over the last few months, I believe God has tweaked my definition. You see, surrender means laying absolutely EVERYTHING down at His feet.  Not just the bad and the ugly, but the good things in life as well (material possessions, academic endeavors, professional opportunities, romantic relationships, future plans etc.) The moment we loosen our grip, it gives God room to speak--we are actively giving Him the reigns and allowing Him to change our plans if need be. If He asks us to give up good things, it is not to cause misery or sadness, but rather the opposite. If God has your best interest in mind, then he may need to make alterations in order to develop and strengthen you, and ultimately lead you into your destiny. Billy Graham once said, "God never takes away something from your life without replacing it with something better.” So surrender, loosen your grip, and walk in obedience, even if it involves temporary pain. As you do this, He will perfect your path, guide, and speak in ways you could have never imagined.  

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." - Luke 22:42

4. Solitude - God longs to take the complexities of life and create peace and simplicity within our hearts and minds. But where can we obtain this peace that passes all understanding? God is constantly communicating, but sometimes we must remove ourselves from the busyness of life to hear him more clearly and allow him to penetrate our hearts. His presence is life--breath to our lungs. So step away from the to do list for a short while and find solitude. As you give him time, he will show up in new ways and provide comfort and discernment where it is needed. 

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."- Mark 1:35

5. Word - Continue to stay in the Word of God. This entire book consists of His practical and applicable instruction. No matter how much or how little you read, know that every bit that goes into your heart provides counsel and comfort for both present and future situations. It may have been written thousands of years ago, but it is ALIVE! His promises are timeless. His words remain just as true today as they were back then. If you can't sense or hear His voice, just read His words.  

"How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." - Psalm 119:9-11