(Hebrews 3:15) “Today, if you hear the voice of God.”

Nothing makes secular materialists go ballistic more than the idea that God speaks or communicates with Christians.

How can a nonexistent, so-called God communicate?

For secularists—those who believe that the material world is the only thing that exists—any idea of a personal God is nothing more than blatant superstition and myth.

There are also some Christians who feel uncomfortable with the idea of God speaking to us.

Yes, the idea of a perfect God speaking to imperfect human beings does require some caution and testing.

But it is theologically inconceivable to believe that a personal, eternal God is unable to communicate with his creation.

The idea of a “speechless” God is completely unbiblical.

The problem many people have is not theological, but experiential.

We have no problem believing that the God of the Bible can speak. 

Our problem is this: How does this actually happen in our lives? How do we, as Christians, hear the voice of God in our daily lives?

(1) God communicates with us within our inner life through the indwelling Holy Spirit and in many different ways. When he speaks to us directly, he does not necessarily speak specific words. He may also impart images, general thoughts, or convictions.

(2) The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the truths of the Bible. God also speaks to us supernaturally through sermons and teaching, not just through our personal reading of the Bible.

(4) God speaks to us supernaturally through other Christians. It does not matter whether we call this prophecy, a word of knowledge, or something else.

(5) God can also speak to us through dreams.

Some wonder, “Why doesn’t God just speak out loud to us like a normal person would?”

I don’t know. Possibly because he has spoken—revealed himself—ultimately in Jesus Christ, who is the Word (Logos), and has given us the Holy Spirit.

As I said, God speaks to us in a multitude of ways.

The more mature we become in Christ, the less uncertain we become about what is God’s voice.

Because we are fallen human beings, we must always test what we believe we are hearing to make sure it is actually from God.

We should be cautious, but not cynical.

Here are three key ways we can do this:

(1) Give it some time. Wait a week. If the conviction remains and even becomes clearer and stronger, then it may very well be from God.

(2) Talk it over with other mature Christians. Speak with people you trust. Seeking confirmation from other mature believers is very wise.

(3) Look for confirmation in multiple ways. God normally does not speak to us in only one way. He will often speak to us through several different means, all reinforcing the same message.

Too often, we do not “hear the voice of God” because we do not have spiritual ears that are listening.

We have closed ears.

We can easily become skeptical and cynical, which can quench the Holy Spirit.

If we are in the process of maturing in Christ and are in fellowship with healthy Christians, then the danger of deception is greatly reduced.

Hearing the voice of God is normal in mature Christian living. 

It is not some odd or weird thing.

Do you have ears to hear?

As Revelation 3:20 tells us: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his home and eat with him, and he with me.”

Let’s all keep the door open!