Have you ever asked God for an answer to a problem over and over and all you get is silence? Do you ever feel like God isn’t listening to you?
Recently, an acquaintance confided in me that she had been asking God for direction in a very difficult situation in her life. She needed to make a decision. She had asked and asked and gotten no answer. Nothing. She was struggling with believing that God even heard her question.
My very first question to her was this: “Have you allowed enough quiet time in your day to hear Him if He did speak to you?” Her answer was typical of many I have heard to that question. “Well, that’s really hard for me. I get restless. I have the radio on in the car or at work. I have the television on. It’s noisy at work. I can’t sit still in silence.” And so on….
That prompted me to think about the different ways I have used successfully to receive an answer from God. I believe God speaks to us, but it can happen in very different and unexpected ways. So here are my five best ways to hear God’s voice:
1. Write a letter to Jesus.
This is very simple. Get a notebook, journal or a piece of paper. Start writing with “Dear Jesus,” After that you pour out your heart to Him. Share with Him your situation, your dilemma, your question. What is bothering you. He already knows what’s on your mind, but He wants you to trust and rely on Him by sharing your heart. When you are finished, take a few minutes to reflect in silenceon what you have written.
Then start writing a letter back to yourself as Jesus would write to you, such as, “Dear beloved” or whatever name he chooses to call you. Start writing just as Jesus would talk to you. The Spirit will direct your writing. Don’t stress about it or overthink it. Just let your writing flow. The response may surprise you.
2. Imagine a meeting with Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or God the Father.
Find a quiet spot to sit for a few minutes. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a beautiful favorite spot. On your travels. In your backyard. At the beach. In your living room. Wherever. Then imagine yourself sitting in that spot enjoying the moment in a very relaxed way. Then you see a figure coming towards you. He/she greets you by name and sits down with you. Is it Jesus? A woman? Who? You have the opportunity to talk with that person and ask questions. Take as long as you need. How does he/she answer? Or do they put their arms around you and hug you? Let the movie in your mind play out. Your answer may be in that encounter.
3. Read scripture or other spiritual books.
Pick a book of the Bible (I recommend the Psalms or one of the gospels). Start reading a chapter or a verse. Don’t rush. Reflect on the words. Savor them. Your answer which is “God-breathed” (2 Tim 3:16) may be right in front of you. The same goes for other spiritual books that you feel inspired to read. The Spirit will lead you to pick the right one on the right subject. Many times I have just gone into a book store and started wandering around looking at titles and pulling out books. Inevitably, the right one ends up in my hands. Read, enjoy, savor and your answer may jump right out at you.
4. Pay attention to what people you trust say to you when you tell them about the problem.
Share your concerns and problem with a close and trusted friend, family member, clergy or even counselor. God can speak to us through others. Keep your eyes and ears open to what may be a divine voice speaking to you through someone else.
5. Create a space of silence.
This may be the most difficult for people, but it may be the most effective. Turn off the radio, TV, phone, music, computer and other devices. It could be indoors or outdoors. Make a quiet zone. You can not hear God’s voice if something else is filling up the sound space. If you do, you may then hear God in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13) giving you an answer.
God is waiting to talk with you. Make a way for that to happen.
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Rev. 3:16
Jane Springer is a certified Life, Wellness and Style Coach who assists women in taking care of themselves, in body, mind and spirit. She coaches women who want to lose weight, avoid diabetes, and feel great. She also helps them thrive after divorce. She also helps them to clear their closets of old clothes and outdated attitudes, so they can shine and feel confident.