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How I learned to hear Jesus' voice

By Becky Herrington

When I first gave my life completely over to Jesus I was twenty-one-years-old. I was ravenous for anything I could learn about Jesus and would read my Bible for hours and hours. It was hard at first, but I started using some tools that made it easier.

In addition to reading the Bible, I also tried different ways to pray. I found that just sitting alone talking to God was boring to me; it was counter to my lifestyle to just sit quietly and concentrate and I would often fall asleep. Eventually I started writing out my prayers in a journal, and found that it was just easier for me to focus if I wrote things down.

As I made more Christian friends they would say these things like, "I had a word from the Lord," or "God has been speaking to me." And that seemed kinda strange. I got the "read, study and apply" method, but I didn't get what "hearing from God" was all about. How would I know if it was me or him? What if I got it wrong and then it got me into trouble? Even deeper than that, did I really believe that God was actually here with me?

So here's how I learned to know and trust in the voice of God...

Keep it simple. I started SUPER small. I didn't go with a big, huge, life-changing decision. I started out in gas stations and grocery stores; I would just ask God to show me if there was anything he wanted me to do and no matter what it was, I did it. And they were super small things, probably just to help me practice how to listen and obey. [Rick Lawrence's book Jesus-Centered Life is all about how you can do this in everyday life]
[Sign up for our free 7-Day Devotional and we'll send you free prompts to test this out with Jesus]

Silence your voice. I always silenced my own voice. To do this, I would simply ask Jesus to please silence my voice and I trusted that he could do that.

Take authority. More recently I've also started audibly taking authority in the name of Jesus over my prayer time. Here's what that looks like: I say aloud. "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I take authority over my thoughts and mind." (I admit it felt weird at first, but the more I learned about Satan, the more I've found myself doing this.)

 

The fruit of the Spirit is evidence. Galatians 5:22-23 has a list of things the Holy Spirit brings into our lives, including love joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self control. If he's speaking to me, then I should experience one or more of these things, right? So this is what I worked out with Jesus early on: I asked him to please make me anxious if I'm not hearing his voice or if someone else told me something that isn't from him. On the flip side, I asked that if it his voice to please give me a feeling of peace that washes over me from head to toe. And he has faithfully done this for me and it's made me more confident in telling the difference between his voice and my voice.

[Want to start living a Jesus-Centered Life, start here.]

Look for confirmation. If it's a really big decision or direction and I'm just struggling to make sure it's from God, here's a couple things I can do. One, I ask Jesus to bring a sign of confirmation. Two, I follow down the path of what he's asking and if doors fly open and it's natural that means Jesus is in it. If I have to push to make everything work and doors keep slamming in my face I get back into my prayer position.

Keep track of things in a journal. I love how God surprises me and changes things I didn't see coming, and also when he follows through on his promises. I like to circle these in my journal. [Here's a good one]

Here's what's happened when I started hearing from God

I learned that he had different ideas than I did about my life. I grew in my faith and strength because I wasn't alone anymore. When he is constantly faithful to talk to me when I listen to him, it grows my confidence in what we are doing together, and gives me a new boldness with others. I am SUPER devoted and passionate about helping people live a life that is living and breathing Jesus everyday. The team here at Jesus-Centered Life has tons of great ways to help you do that, check them out.

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Showing 16 comments
  • J. Vanderwater
    Reply

    Thanks Becky-
    I enjoyed your article and will share it!

  • Jennifer Ruth
    Reply

    Recently my former fiance walked out of my life and my sons 9 weeks before our wedding and after 5 years of living together and 8 years of being together. I have to say the experience was very humbling and the pathways He took my led me straight into a life with God. I haven’t felt this connected ever and I had believed for my entire life I was a devoted loyal Christian. The enemy got a real nice hold on me and going through what I did although devastating was liberating as I’m living a better life for Christ. I’m at such a better place in my life to be a better wife and mother to my sons. All Glory z goes to God! He knew what he was doing all along. All i want now is to help others experienced what i had. God is Great!

  • Jenise, knotts
    Reply

    I study the word I would like learn more how to hear from God.

  • April Garcia
    Reply

    We have to be careful to not rely on feelings to know what is from God and what is not from Him. God does not contradict Himself. The more we get to know Him through His Word and Holy Spirit, the more we will recognize His voice and have discernment.

  • Kenneth
    Reply

    Isaiah 41:24 But you are less than nothing and your works are utterly worthless; whoever chooses you is detestable.

    You advocate listening to Jesus by not listening to Jesus!

    • Minty
      Reply

      Yet jesus chose countless biblical figures to do countless works… including choosing the 12 and sending them out himself.

  • Juliana
    Reply

    I am an sda i love to share with others.
    Thanku

    • celmore
      Reply

      Thanks for reading, Juliana! Glad this article was helpful to you.

    • Joe Bustani
      Reply

      Joe
      That was inspiring to hear your comments about hearing from Jesus. It is vital that His Holy Spirit speaks to us and we talk throughout the day. We are getting to know our Jesus intimately, and knowing Him is imperative to never hear Him say,”I never knew you.”, as we approach His Throne one day.
      I’ve failing in love with my Jesus, He is my first love. He is the promise of Jerimiah 31:33, where He writes His heart into our heart, and we become as one.

  • dev raj thapa
    Reply

    you have given good idea but i tring many time but i could not listen. that’t for me so many difficult . jesus christ is alive

  • diana d
    Reply

    God has worked so many ways in my life within the last couple of years . As I countue to grow , I want to develop a strong relationship with him . I feel like I missing The conversation with him . I pray but often I feel like I am just complete a monologue of how good God has worded in my life , list of areas I need forgiveness and asking for things. I have watched sermons and searched devotioals about dialogues with him . I just want to be able to hear him and make sure that he is co-signing on my decisions.

  • Joe Bustani
    Reply

    Joe
    That was inspiring to hear your comments about hearing from Jesus. It is vital that His Holy Spirit speaks to us and we talk throughout the day. We are getting to know our Jesus intimately, and knowing Him is imperative to never hear Him say,”I never knew you.”, as we approach His Throne one day.
    I’ve failing in love with my Jesus, He is my first love. He is the promise of Jerimiah 31:33, where He writes His heart into our heart, and we become as one.

  • JlAdams
    Reply

    Being saved and sanctified and living above sin and having the Holy Spirit abiding inside me enabling me to hear God’s voice is the most supernatural love that a person can ever experience. He spoke to those in the days of the Old T’estiment and He still speaks to those of us who love and serve Him today. His voice is soft and loving. We need to be still and listen for Him.

  • William
    Reply

    hear God,And all kids of heavenly voices,Jesus,Yes the enemy is in there,But I can physically feel the Holy spirit sometimes,It’s awesome,I couldn’t hear Jesus voice all my life,I can’t remember the exact date,But it’s been about 12 years now,It’s normal for me,lolI tried telling others but,I highly don’t recommend it.There not going to believe you anyways,But what a awesome feeling.Who would ever believe me,Oh God does a lot of things for me to experience,Visions,He can communicate with me without even saying any words.,I’m telling you the Truth,I know Jesus is the son of God,He’s proven it to me personally.

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