He conversed with Adam in the first garden. He told Noah to build an ark. He spoke to Moses in a burning bush. He promised Abraham a son. Paul heard His voice on the way to Damascus. But does God still speak to us today?
Often when people ask this question, they are talking about an audible voice. And God can do that. He can do anything He wants. He’s God. Why then, can’t I hear God speak to me audibly, someone might ask?
God generally uses the following means to communicate with us.
1. Through His Word in general
2 Timothy 3:16 says that all Scripture is “God-breathed.” His Word sometimes gives us a warning, a word of encouragement, or a lesson for life. It is written with love as God’s guide for life, “so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17)
That means God is whispering, and sometimes shouting, all through His Word, giving us instructions and principles for life.
2. Through His Son, Jesus Christ
The New Testament was the fulfillment of God’s special plan. It’s the gospel: the good news of God’s Heavenly Kingdom. “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by His Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe” (Hebrews 1:1-2, NIV).
Through the words of Jesus in Scripture, we can “hear” God’s heart and God’s voice – and know what God is truly like. These words were not written for a few select individuals, but for all mankind. (“For God so loved the world”)
3. Through Nature and God’s Creation
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has created. Through the intricate details and magnificent beauty of all that God has made, we can “hear” His voice.
4. Through Other Believers
God may use a friend, a teacher, a parent, or a preacher to convey His message of truth to us. Their words may come as a warning, a blessing, or as a prophetic truth about our lives. Whether we choose to hear it or ignore it depends on us.
Bottom line is that if we are His children, God loves us unconditionally and will spare no expense to show us.
5. Through Music
Perhaps one of
the ways I can sense God’s presence the most and “hear” His voice the best is
when I am praising Him through music.
