Hearing the Voice of God Through the Scriptures
There are many ways to hear from God. He speaks every language and can use nature, friends, circumstances, and even our thoughts (the “still small voice”) to communicate with us. At times, He speaks through dreams or an audible voice. Angels also carry the Lord’s messages. Yet among all these ways, my favorite is hearing God through His Word (no surprise there ;)).
Scripture gives us a beautiful example of this in the book of Daniel. In Daniel 9:2, the man of God understood the season he was living in because he read the writings of the prophet Jeremiah soecifying a 70 year and recognized that Israel’s time of exile was coming to a close. Through the written Word, God revealed His purposes and timing to Daniel. Just as God spoke through Scripture then, He still speaks through Scripture today.
More than once, I have asked the Lord a specific question and received an answer directly from the Scriptures. Other times, I have received a prophetic word while reading the Word of God. I also use Scripture to prophesy over my children on a daily basis. God’s Word is living and active, and He continues to speak through it to those who are listening.
That is why I make it a priority to read my Bible every day. Daily time in God’s Word tunes my ear to His voice. Just as a child learns to recognize the voice of a loving parent, we learn to recognize the voice of our Shepherd by spending time with Him in the Scriptures. The more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, the more familiar His character, wisdom, and ways become. When decisions arise, when challenges come, or when we need direction, the truths we have hidden in our hearts help us discern His leading. The Bible becomes more than words on a page; it becomes a living conversation with the God who still speaks.
While God may choose to communicate in many different ways, His Word remains the surest and most reliable guide. Every impression, dream, circumstance, or message should be measured against Scripture. God will never contradict what He has already spoken. If you desire to hear God's voice more clearly, begin with His Word. Open your Bible daily, read with expectation, and ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Scriptures. As you do, you will discover that God is not silent. He is speaking, and His voice can be heard by those who take the time to listen.
