How Do You Hear the Voice of God?
And What to Do When He Seems Silent
“O God, do not keep silence;
do not hold your peace or be still, O God!”
— Psalm 83:1
He is closer than words can articulate.
I’ve heard this question more than any other in my Christian journey:
“How do you know it’s God’s voice?”
“Can you really hear God speak?”
Some ask from a place of hunger.
Others ask from a place of hardened doubt.
But what if I told you—you can hear the voice of God every single day?
What if I told you... He’s still speaking?
How Did God Speak to the Israelites?
God has always been deeply involved in His creation. His voice wasn’t just philosophical—it was personal, powerful, and practical.
1. Audible Voice
He spoke directly and out loud:
To Moses from the burning bush (Exodus 3)
From Mount Sinai in thunder (Exodus 19)
To Samuel in the stillness of night (1 Samuel 3)
2. Through Prophets
Prophets were God's mouthpieces—men like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Elijah.
“The Lord God does nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.” — Amos 3:7
3. Through Signs, Angels, and Dreams
God used supernatural methods:
A pillar of cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21)
Angelic visitations (Judges 6, Daniel 10)
Dreams and visions (Joseph in Genesis 37; Daniel)
4. Through the Law and Scripture
“Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” — Deuteronomy 8:3
The Torah wasn’t just a code—it was communication. God’s written word was His voice to His people.
How Does God Speak Today?
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,
but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son…” — Hebrews 1:1–2
We no longer rely on thunder or burning bushes. We have something greater: the fullness of God revealed in Jesus and poured out through the Holy Spirit.
1. Through Jesus — the Living Word
“The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” — John 6:63
Jesus is the voice of God made flesh. Every word, every silence, every step—reveals the heart of God.
2. Through the Holy Spirit
“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” — John 16:13
The Spirit prompts conviction, illuminates Scripture, stirs discernment, and whispers direction. He doesn't scream—but He always speaks.
3. Through the Bible — the Written Word
“For the word of God is living and active…” — Hebrews 4:12
When you open Scripture with the Spirit, you’re not just reading about God—you’re hearing from Him.
4. Through His People
“The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort.” — 1 Corinthians 14:3
Unlike the prophets of old, Spirit-filled believers speak not infallible Scripture, but Spirit-led encouragement, correction, and wisdom.
5. Through Silence and Suffering
Yes, God speaks even when He seems quiet.
The silence that makes you ache? It may be growing your roots.
The unanswered prayer? It may be preparing your platform.
Sometimes, silence isn't absence—it’s hidden presence.
“So Why Isn’t God More Involved?”
This question often comes from pain, confusion, or disappointment.
But in truth, it’s rarely asked by someone actively walking with Him.
That may sound harsh—but it’s not meant to shame.
It’s meant to wake us up.
Because when you walk with God—daily, humbly, persistently—you begin to see how deeply involved He really is:
In the whisper, not just the whirlwind
In the pruning, not just the promotion
In the waiting, not just the wonders
In the wounds, not just the wins
The real mystery isn’t why God seems distant.
The real mystery is that He draws near at all.
“For the wages of sin is death…” — Romans 6:23
Yet we live. We breathe. We question. We receive.
“…but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
That means every moment He stays patient, every time He invites us back—it’s mercy.
If His justice wasn’t filtered through love (Jesus), we’d be ashes.
If He weren’t near, you wouldn’t even be asking.
Scripture That Whispers and Shakes
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted…”
Acts 17:27 – “He is not far from any one of us.”
Isaiah 55:8–9 – “My thoughts are not your thoughts…”
Luke 24 – He walked with them on the road to Emmaus while they didn’t recognize Him.
Sometimes God’s silence… is intimacy disguised. So how do we apply this to our lives? How do we grow in trust so we can discern the voice of God?
Never Finished Challenge: Stop and Listen
You don’t need a new sign from heaven.
You need to make space for the One who already came down.
1. Replace Nighttime Noise with His Voice
Nothing is truly mindless.
End your day with Scripture, worship, and reflection.
My wife and I watch The Chosen together once a week—so I’m not saying you have to cut out everything.
But you become what you consume. Choose wisely.
2. Tithe Your Attention
Replace scrolling and distraction with the Word.
Listen to the Bible while you drive. Ask yourself:
“Is what I’m reading or watching feeding my relationship with God—or fogging it?”
3. Block 15 Minutes a Day for Silence
No phone. No agenda. No noise.
Just be still—and listen.
You may feel resistance at the word replace—but ask yourself:
“Are the sidelines in football restrictive, or are they what allow the game to flourish?”
God’s boundaries aren’t bondage.
They’re for freedom.
And these small shifts can radically change your life.
Want clarity? Replace the world with Him.
Want peace? Replace the noise with Him.
Want to become who you were made to be (that is, what He’s made you to be)? Make room for His voice.
When the Holy Spirit prompts you—respond without delay.
The enemy will always have a buffet of distractions to delay your destiny.
Because the more you become like Jesus, the more you’ll transform not just your life—but every space you enter.
What Does Today Say About God?
Close
Whether He is silent or loud, He is always close.
Closer than the ache in your chest.
Closer than the thoughts in your mind.
Closer than breath.
This closeness gives me courage. It’s what empowered martyrs to sing on their way to death. It’s what brought empires to their knees. It’s what turns ordinary men into Watchmen.
He calls you His child.
He calls you to come close.
He calls you to hear Him again.
What a Father.
What a Friend.
What a King.
Thank You, Jesus.