Do You Really Listen to God? How Do You Know If It Is His Voice?
"Give ear, and hear my voice; give attention, and hear my speech." – Isaiah 28:23
Why the Repetition of “Listen”?
The author—the Holy Spirit—through Isaiah, is emphasizing urgency by repeating the verb listen. God is calling His people to pay close attention to what He is about to say.
This pattern shows up often in prophetic passages. Why? Because the audience—then and now—tends to be spiritually dull or resistant to God’s message.
Isaiah 28:23 introduces a parable about a farmer who carefully prepares, plants, and harvests. In the same way, God disciplines, teaches, and restores His people with wisdom. His discipline is not random—He has a plan, just like a farmer does when tending his crops.
I haven’t always listened to God and, as a result, have found myself on the spinning wheel of insanity—doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results. But when I finally learned to listen and not be spiritually dull or resistant, my life transformed—as well as the people and places around me.
How to Explain to a New Christian How to Truly Listen to God (and Why They Should)
For a new believer, listening to God might feel abstract or mysterious.
"How do I actually hear Him?"
"Why does it even matter?"
It’s simpler than we think. Here’s why we should listen and how to do it.
Why Should We Listen to God?
1. Because God Speaks to His People
Just like in any relationship, communication is key.
God doesn’t just want us to believe in Him; He wants a real relationship where we learn to recognize His voice.
📖 John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
🔹 Example: Imagine having a best friend but never listening to them. How deep would that friendship be? The same is true with God—He speaks, and He wants us to listen.
2. Because Listening Leads to Guidance and Wisdom
A new believer might struggle with decisions, doubts, or temptations. Listening to God helps us make the right choices.
📖 Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
📖 James 1:5 – If we lack wisdom, we can ask God, and He will provide it.
🔹 Example: Think of a GPS. If we don’t listen, we might get lost. God’s voice is like a perfect GPS—leading us away from danger and toward His best for us.
3. Because Listening Leads to Transformation
When we truly listen, we become more like Jesus over time.
📖 Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”
Hearing God’s voice helps us think, love, and live differently. If no one has recognized this difference, then you have not been living differently.
🔹 Example: Imagine a coach giving an athlete training tips. If the athlete listens and follows the instructions, they grow stronger. If they ignore the coach, they don’t improve. God is our ultimate and perfect coach!
How Does a New Christian Listen to God?
If you are a new believer, you might ask, "Okay, but how do I actually hear God?"
Here are four practical ways:
1. Through the Bible (The Primary Way God Speaks)
The Bible is God’s Word, and He speaks through it.
📖 2 Timothy 3:16 – "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."
✅ Tip: Read a small portion daily and ask, "What is God saying to me in this?" As you grow with Him, spend more time in it daily, even journaling what He says.
2. Through Prayer (Not Just Talking, but Listening)
Many people think prayer is just talking to God—but it’s also about listening.
📖 Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Sometimes, God places thoughts, convictions, or reminders in our hearts when we quiet ourselves before Him.
🔹 Example: Sit quietly after praying and ask, “God, is there something You want to show me?”
3. Through the Holy Spirit (Inner Promptings)
When we follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives in us and guides us.
📖 John 14:26 – “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things...”
Sometimes, God nudges us—giving us a strong sense of conviction, direction, or peace about a situation.
🔹 Example: Ask, “Have you ever had a feeling that you just knew was right or wrong? That might have been God guiding you.”
4. Through Godly Counsel and Circumstances
God often speaks through mature Christians, sermons, and life experiences.
📖 Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
🔹 Example: If facing a big decision, seek advice from trusted Christian mentors—God often speaks through wise believers.
How Can They Know It’s Really God Speaking?
If you are a new Christian, you might wonder, "How do I know this is God and not just my own thoughts?"
I was taught to see it through these filters:
✅ Does it align with the Bible? God never contradicts His Word. If it goes against Scripture, it’s not from Him.
✅ Does it lead to love and righteousness? If the voice is leading you to sin or selfishness, it’s not from God.
✅ Does it bring peace, not fear? God’s voice brings conviction, not condemnation (Romans 8:1).
Never Finished Challenge: Make It a Daily Habit
Listening to God isn’t just for “big” decisions—it’s for every day.
Start small:
📖 Reading a short Bible passage daily
🙏 Praying for wisdom
👂 Being attentive to how God speaks throughout the day
Over time, you'll recognize His voice more clearly, like spending time with a friend, coach, or community.
For your pocket: "Listening to God isn’t just about hearing words—it’s about understanding His heart, obeying His guidance, and growing closer to Him every day."
What does today say about God?
He is never random in His discipline or His plans. He is perfectly just and eternally intentional in all He does. His ways are flawless. Yet, He invites me in—teaching me like a father teaches his child.
His patience, love, mercy, and presence in my life bring joy beyond explanation.
Lord, help me listen more.
Thank You, Jesus.