7 Keys to Hearing the Still Small Voice of God

“Um… will God speak to me and if so, how will I know it’s His voice I am hearing?”

I had just finished sharing a message on Sunday morning at a church and I was packing up to leave when a young woman approached me.  There was a hesitancy in her eyes and timidity in her voice as she quietly spoke. I knew there was more story behind her simple question, so a quick response of John 10:27 “His sheep hear and know His voice” would not cut it.

I shared the following scripture-based advice to reassure her that she can hear God’s voice, and that he longs to speak to us all.

1. Be Aware

We need to be aware that God still speaks today. We read in 1 Samuel 3 that “the word was rare in those days” and when God called Samuel’s name, neither he nor Eli the priest knew it was God. But God was persistent until he made a connection with Samuel. It is within that connection that God communicated with him, but Samuel first had to respond to the voice of God. It is the same with us: we must be aware of God’s invitation for connection, so we can respond to it.

Just like Samuel, we can respond in faith and ask: “God, Is that You? If so I am listening.”

So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3: 9-10 NIV)

2. Be Discerning

We need to be aware that not all things we hear or receive are from God. There are many voices vying for our attention at any given time, but the three big ones are: God, Satan and ourselves. However, don’t let this intimidate you. Remember John 10:27 above and know we can learn to discern whose voice is speaking to us. We must patiently and quietly listen for the still small voice of God.

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God.” (1 John 4:1a CSB)

3. Be Expectant

God is speaking all the time. We just need to learn to discern His voice, and tune into His frequency. We should expect that God wants to speak to us and be eager to hear from Him when He does. We need to believe and expect God will speak to us just as He did with individuals throughout the Scriptures. It’s not a once in a lifetime conversation, it’s a daily ongoing one.

He says, “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3 NASB).

4. Be available

Yes, God is speaking all the time, but we are often too busy to notice. We need to make ourselves available to hear from God. This means being intentional to set aside time for Him to speak to us. Part of being available is also being ready and willing to respond when God speaks to us. God longs to move His people in obedience.

 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV)

5. Be in the Word

When God speaks to you, it will never be contrary to the Word of God nor contradict His character or nature. In order to know these things about God, we need to know what the Bible says about who He is and what His character is. If we are in the Word and know what it says about God, then we can confidentially discern we are hearing from God.

Every Scripture has been written by the Holy Spirit, the breath of God. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness. Then you will be God’s servant, fully mature and perfectly prepared to fulfill any assignment God gives you (2 Timothy 3:16-17 The Passion Translation).

6. Be in Relationship

God designed us for relationship with Himself and with others. Relationships by design includes two-way conversations. Just as Adam and Eve walked and talked with God in the Garden, it is His desire to have the same kind of relationship with us today. God wants to communicate with us on a daily basis. He wants an ongoing conversation that continues throughout the day, week, months and years. We are called friends of God.

No longer do I call you servants for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you (John 15:15 ESV).

7. Be humble

God doesn’t just speak to the special people, He speaks to us all. We must recognize that hearing God speak is a normal part of our life as a Christ follower. But we also must not allow pride to sneak into our hearts as we begin to hear from Him. Staying in humility positions us to fully receive and respond to the messages God may share with us.

For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory (Psalm 149:4 NIV).