Hear God’s Voice
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
Memory Verse
While Peter was still speaking, the shadow of a bright cloud passed over them. From the cloud, a voice said, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him. Listen to what he says!” (CEV)
“Danika!” Mom called from downstairs. “Can you come here, please?”
Danika pushed herself off the bed and left the Bible lying open as she darted down the stairs. She was reading the story of Jonah. She thought it was so strange that Jonah didn’t do what God wanted when God spoke to him so clearly. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she thought about what God would say she should do about Tabitha asking to copy her homework.
“There you are,” said Mom. “Can you please set the table for supper?”
Danika nodded as she grabbed the plates. While putting them on the table, she wondered: “Why can’t God talk to me like my parents do?” Her thoughts drifted back to Jonah, “God used to talk to people like that.”
Have you ever wondered how you can hear God? After all, the Bible tells us to listen to him (Matthew 17:5), and he spoke to so many people, like Jonah (Jonah 1:1-2), Moses (Exodus 3:1-15), and Abraham (Genesis 18:13-14). Nowadays, he doesn’t usually speak to us the same way, even though he can. Instead, God usually connects with us through the Bible, his creation, and other Christians.
But there are a lot of things that stop us from hearing God. Some examples are when we’ve been hurt or disappointed in the past, or if we sin and don’t ask for God’s forgiveness, or when we’re just too busy to try and listen.
It’ll take practice, but if you spend time reading the Bible, praying, and trying to hear him, you will recognize God’s voice when he’s talking to you.
Prayer
Dear God, I want to hear you. Please help me find ways to talk to you, and let me recognize your voice when you speak to me. Amen.Related Resources
Christina Van Starkenburg
Christina Van Starkenburg is an award-winning freelance writer and author of The Key Thief and One Tiny Turtle: A Story You Can Colour. In her free time, she enjoys reading, dancing, and exploring the world with her husband and three kids. Visit her at www.christinavanstarkenburg.com to read more.