UPDATE: Hi sweet friends! You moved me with your response to my devotion and your stories, questions and more. I’ve been praying for you as I read your comments. So many thoughts rush into my mind – things I’d love for us to process together. Please know I haven’t forgotten to come back and write more. Unfortunately, I caught my 2yr old’s cold and it slowed everything down. I’m better now but I have a project due to my publisher today for my book. With the weekend coming, let’s plan on meeting here Monday. And I’ll announce the winner of the book then too! If you haven’t entered to win, read this post and you’ll know what to do!
I’ve got a devotion today over at P31 and Crosswalk about becoming a woman who listens to God. If you’d like to read it, click here. In it, I shared how I used to wonder if I was hearing God’s voice or just my thoughts. Does that ever happen to you?
Well, before we jump into our talk about listening, I first wanted to “welcome” any new friends who are visiting for the first time from Encouragement for Today. We’re glad you’re here and hope you’ll stay a while! There is always a place for you.
One thing that helped me listen to God was learning how to capture my run-away thoughts that caused me to doubt my ability to discern God’s voice. Several years ago, I came up with a few questions I ask myself when I sense God is speaking to me, whether it be through scripture, an impression on my heart, circumstances or through His spirit in me. I always look for Biblical consistency:
- Is it consistent with God’s Word and God’s ways?
- Is it consistent with wise Biblical counsel I’ve sought?
- Is it consistent with God’s leading through doors He’s opened and closed?
- Is there a consistent theme I’m seeing in my life or hearing during my personal Bible study time, through sermons, Christian songs, conversations, etc?
There is a little more I wanted to share about increasing our confidence in our ability to recognize and respond to God’s voice, but I’m having technical difficulties as I try to pre-load this. So I’m pasting in the give-away I promised below, and will work on the rest behind the scenes. I’ll try to have it loaded later on Weds. Aster is home so I never know how my plans will go :-). Be sure to come back for more encouragement. I’ll add to this and leave the post up until Friday when I announce the winner!
If you want to become a woman who listens to God, and discover the adventure of faith He has for your life, you will want to read Lysa TerKeurst’s book What Happens When Women Say Yes to God.
Today, I’m giving a copy away to one of you! Enter to win by clicking on the word “comments‘ right below this post and share your thoughts or questions about listening to God. Please include your email or friend me on Facebook so we can let you know if you win.
After you’ve entered to win, click here to download a great FREE resource from Lysa’s book with more ways to hear and discern God’s voice.
**To find out when this post is updated and to see if you are the winner, be sure to link up in the Google Friend Connect box orbecome a friend on Facebook!
I feel like God is speaking to me through your post today! It is my first time to visit your blog. Our family is at a crossroads and I was up half the night last night praying (and worring!) about what our next step should be. I am paying attention, Lord!
For years I have been struggling with my faith, not that I don't believe but I don't know how to believe. I want it so bad but have no idea where to begin. Lately, I have been drawn to all things spiritual with God and I feel that it is His way of showing me the way back. I love the daily Encouragement emails and feel this is my first step in the right direction.
Renee – Your message today really spoke to me about the need to listen to God more. The reason it's so hard for me to discern what He wants for my life from what I want for my life is because I don't make enough time to slow down, enjoy some alone time with Him, and truly listen. My prayers today will include asking Him to help me be a better listener and to make more time for Him in my life so he can better speak to me and guide me. Thanks for sharing your message today.
Thanks so much for this devotion today. Right this very moment in my life, and I am learning so much about listening to God. Giving everything (large and small) over to His will, and then listening for His answers, looking for His guidance. I have experienced a very direct answer, hearing God tell me some very specific things. That doesn't happen often in life, and it was awesome! But then there are the times when it's not so obvious, and the human tendency to take action on my own steps in. I've been trying to figure out how much God depends on us to use the intelligence He's given us vs waiting for specific guidance each step of the way. It's a challenge I have not mastered, but thankful for your reminder to let God lead, in all things.
I talk to much in my head to have room for God's thoughts. I really need to learn how to sort the two out.
Such wonderful advice! I use similar techniques myself. Run-away thoughts can be crippling and that is the key–God would never cripple me, or have me cause hurt and pain to others. My past has been very abusive and has created many residual issues. Without the Lord, I would continue choosing the wrong people, the wrong path. Unfortunately, I have not completely shed my defense mechanisims, which cause me to want to run away from many things. Trust and Love are very hard things for me to embrace, but the Lord walks with me daily, encouraging me to be strong and to remember I was never a "victim". People who inflict pain on others are hurting as well. He has given me the strength to forgive, love and find compassion rather than hold on to anger and fear. I love your blog as it helps me stay focused and very often reminds me of the things I listed above!
As I was driving in to work this morning, I realized that my mind never stops and never slows down. I have a million thoughts of what I need to do to get thru the day, to finish up the month, and all that is constantly followed by the question of "What would God have me do?" I have committed to returning to my faith this year and leaning not into my own understanding. I want so much to completely give up myself and trust completely in God! Yesterday we got news that my husband is severely diabetic (at the age of 30). He has been thru so many hard things in the past few years. Pray for him, and his salvation. Pray that God would speak directly to my heart and give me directions and encouragement to be a good example of a Christian for my husband. Help me to slow my brain long enough to listen for God's voice. And pray that I will trust His words and obey without question! Proverbs 31 has been my best friend for almost a year now. I visit every morning! Thank you for your work in this ministry!
Candi
Sharing with women is a passion of mine – I am the Womens Leaders for my church and I am always looking for new ways to get women to share what they are looking for from a womens ministry and how to share. This helps everyone even the Leaders – always learning from my Ladies. I will be using this one as a lesson for fellowship. Thanks
I, too, struggle with "was that God?" telling me something or is it just me–because I want something or because I'm afraid to do something. Thank you for your "word" today. I will check back for rest of comments on hearing the voice of God.
Dear Renee
Thank you for the Encouragement today message of Jan 19, 2011. It really resonates with me and I can identify. When are you coming to West Africa for a speaking engagement? I would love to be there.
I'm so glad I found your blog again! It meets me just where I am today, needing direction in my life and not knowing which voice in my head to listen to. Thank you for all you do and all of us you help through Jesus Christ.
Blessings!
Barb T
Hi there You were righ in my thoughts thanks for you devotion.
I would love to hear more about what you have to say on this – God speaks to me all the time — mostly through His word. I can't tell you the number of times I have questioned something, and I'll pick up my Bible and read a passage or a verse will come to mind that totally answers what I was asking.
But He also "whispers" to me (impresses me with His thoughts). I know it is Him because I trust that He answers my prayer that I pray almost every day "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, my Rock and my Redeemer."
Now if I will only walk obediently……
Like some of your other readers, I chose the word "Listen" as my one word resolution. I, too, have trouble discerning when the Lord is talking to me or if its just my own thoughts. Thanks for the guidelines to make that determination. Please pray for me as I listen for God to speak to me about my life situation right now and which direction He wants me to follow.
Since the new year began, I have been in some kind of "funk" I guess you could call it. I find myself thinking through who I am and what I do and where I need to be. Finding myself simply wanting to be in a quiet place, all alone!
As much as I trust God and I firmly believe to turn your worries over to God, how to I turn off these doubts that keep going through my head? I am miserable with my job, my church, spiritually and emotionally. In todays world, where do you begin to make changes and know they are changes from God?
I have been walking in condemnation for weeks now. I've prayed about it, sought counsel (Godly counsel) for it, and still it consumes me. I even had a friend tell me that God spoke to her about me and His vision for my life had me wanting to shout in a book store! But this morning my daughter read me her essay for her college application and she focused on how hurt she was when her father and I divorced, and so here I sit, wallowing in condemnation yet again. I know that there is no condemnation for them that are in Christ, so what door have I opened for the enemy to continue attacking me? Why can't I trust God's voice?
I'm definitely going through a month of trials and desperation to hear God's voice and direction. I'm growing one step at a time.
Oh this is so true in my life. I would love to figure out how to discern the thoughts and feelings I have and determine God's path for my life!!
Blessings to you!
Linda
Many runaway thoughts lately. Getting myself all worked up over trying to "show" everyone I can be a SUPER CHRISTIAN. I am so glad there are godly women reaching out to other godly women desiring to help all seek the face of our Saviour. Thank you for the posts
Kara
[email protected]
I often ask God to lead me, but then I fail to wait for the answer and go full speed ahead in the direction I feel he (I) wants me to go. This seems to be one of those areas where I am always going back to and trying to concentrate on, but eventually go off on my own way. Great topic! And great giveaway. I enjoy reading Lysa's books.
ConnieH
[email protected]
Hi Renee
Its so amazing to see how God connects thing…
The last 2 weeks and for the next couple… our Pastor is preaching on Power of A Whisper by Bill Hybels…
Its been great so far… talking about how to discern if it it God speaking to us…. and the points were pretty much what you mentioned…
My husband and I are really trying make sure that we are listening for His voice…..and need discernment on some unspoken requests.
Thankyou for sharing what God has put on your heart.
I would love to read Lysa's book….I want to be a woman who says yes more to God…
Chrissy Gunning
Really could use the book. Reading the other comments makes me feel better that im not the only one who struggles to hear God's voice!
God Bless!
I do love how God provides exactly what we need exactly when we need it! This topic of listening to God has been a struggle for me for a few months now. Your devotion shed a light on what may be a link to my struggle… to abide in His presence AND promises. I now realize I am not reminding myself of God's promises when I spend time with Him… a key step in faith! He has promised many things in His word, but I lack a depth of intimacy with Him if I only "read" His word and not rely on His promises. Thank you, Renee for encouraging me by sharing how God is reaching your heart.
I think about this a lot too. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us! [email protected]
I have been in this place myself of questioning whether or not I'm hearing from God or my own thoughts. This is when I know that I have to fast and then I truly hear clearly from God what He wants me to do. I have to remind myself daily that as long as God has me in the palm of His hand, that there is nothing to worry about. This is how I stay on point with my Faith walk and trusting that God is going to work it all out.
Jackie
What an encouragement it is to me to realize I'm not alone in the "charge ahead and get it done" category! I'm learning (daily!) to just ask for the next step. I don't need to know where the path is leading. I just need to know the next step He wants me to take. After reading your devotion, I'm humming "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus; just to take Him at His word. Just to rest upon His promise; just to know thus saith the Lord."
I amazed that how God leads us to certain readings and scriptures when we are pondering things. I recently joined my husbands church and i feel like i am in a dessert with dry bones, although i joined the choir ministry and the womens ministry i just don't feel the same. I know that joining him was Gods plan, however in choosing the ministry i wonder if i am wear he wants me to be. Your words have encourage me to be stead fast because i know he has everything in control, i just don't want to miss his voice when he speaks to me. Nicole
I have often wondered when it's my own thoughts or if it's God whispering in my ear. Lately I have been struggling through a very tough job situation. I keep hearing Him say…don't worry about that…you won't be here for it. I have heard Him say it often so I keep telling myself to trust Him. I don't have to suffer through this much longer and He has bigger and better plans for me. It WILL happen. Great Blog and thanks for confirming what I have been feeling in my heart!
Renee,
What you said in the P31 devotion about how God being more interested in my ear more than my efforts (which, let's face it are usually lacking), that he wants more intimacy with me and daily and some days moment-to-moment dependence on Him, and especially that He is more interested in my character than my calendar — that was the big gun — really touched me in a very soft, vulneraable patch of my heart. I'm a very task-oriented person and I get caught up in checking off the boxes in my to-do list. My busy-ness drowns out God's still small voice most of the time…Thank you for your encouraging words to my heart today.
Joyfully,
Jenn
I'm in the wilderness right now and have lost trust in when I "think" I hear God speaking to me…..
[email protected]
God has really been speaking to me about listening to Him daily. Your devotion really encouraged me to search my heart about this very important topic. Thank you!
Holly
[email protected]
I have has major choices come up in my new Chrsitain life. I pray and wait and then I feel that God is leading me. If I don't follow, I usually won't have peace. When I do follow His leading; there is peace. Or so I claim…later AFTER the choice has been made—–I second guess myself…was that what God said? How do i know if its God speaking to me?
I've been in a "valley" season of life for over a year now…unemployment, then employment for a short time, then unemployed again. Financial concerns. Strained marriage. Issues with my husband's new career direction and friendships with young women I think are inappropriate. College daughter that has been depressed. Strain with my siblings over estate division of my mom's estate, to the point we are not speaking anymore. At the times I feel the lowest, I get on my knees and pray for God's mercy and that I learn the lessons He wants me to learn in this season of life.
Thank you for your devotion and work with Proverbs 31 ministries
WOW….Did this ever speak to me. I know I have been thinking it for years and through making moves in KNOWING I heard God but doing it all in my steps and in the way I "thought" he wanted me to or before he wanted me to. When I failed I ran and blamed Him. Now I question everything…was that God or I think God told me and never really moving due to fear of letting Him down again. What you said though on giving him my heart totally and allowing him to build the character is exactly what he is telling me to do and has been for a while now. Thank you so much for allowing Him to speak through you.
Dondi
I prayed your prayer from the post 'Listening to God.' My thoughts do get distracted and I can feel myself falling away from dependence on God. A very unsafe place to be in a world given to sin. I have always struggled with hearing God's voice. I thought it was just for the 'really Christian girls.' I believed I had to have a super-uber Christian life in order for God to speak to me. But as I have studied, prayed, listened and learned from 'real' life people about their journey with Christ, I have come to find out that God loves me deeply and is molding me into the woman he created me to be.
Your devotion inspired me to give my prayer and my worries for today to Him.
This is confirmation for me. This morning I was just asking God to give me His spirit of discernment. I often doubt if I'm hearing God or just my thoughts. I'd really like to get to a place where I'm sure of His voice.
~Mimi
[email protected]
I also have a hard time telling if it's God's voice, or me just thinking it is. This is one of my biggest struggles!
I'd love to be included in this book giveaway. I'm reading Made to Crave right now. thanks for the post
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
We just made a *huge* move to Texas. I knew it's what God wanted for our family, but I buried my head in the sand not wanting to go. I loved where I lived…had friends…an amazing church. The kids were all doing well. It broke my heart to have to move…but still knew it was what God wanted for our family. Through the decision making process I struggled and continued to seek God and His wisdom. It's only been a few weeks. I'm missing home so much. This post gives me hope that if I continue to seek Him in All things…not just the big things. I will be blessed.
Thanks for your post today.
Missy~
[email protected]
Mi
Sometimes, I do have some thoughts or dreams and not sure if they came from God. But I do believe if we walk close to God, He will show the direction through our environment, bible verses..etc. Step by step following Him is what I need to learn too because sometimes, I jumped too fast by my own way as your said, and did not reach anywhere although I thought God showed me the direction.
Thanks, Maureen Wu
I do not think I hear God speaking to me and this is one of my goals for 2011. I want to be a woman who listens to God. I want to hear him in every moment but I do not know how. Winning Lysa's book would be an ideal tool which assist me in my journey. My email is [email protected]
I too feel unsure about God's guidance in my life. I feel adrift and wasting what He wants me to do. But I can look back at crucial decisions I made that blessed me and changed my life because I knew He wanted me to do them. I want that again, so much. I don't think we were made to live in a world we have today, bombarded 24/7 by words, video, information, communications, sounds, impressions. We don't realize how hard we have to fight for God's guidance and help. My heart goes out to the ladies who shared and will share their struggles today. God bless you.
I hear God speaking to me in that still small voice quite often. I feel Him tugging at my heart and urging me to follow. I haven't gotten clear direction or vision of where that will lead as of yet. He just tells me to really search for Him (and my direction) in His word… He assures me He will reveal His will in His time. Scary stuff, following "blindly."
I could use help in this area. I don't always recognize God's voice or I doubt the message.
dora
I have been so hungry to hear God's voice also and would like to know more. Is it an "audible" voice or just something He might lay on my heart? Like you said, I can't discern whether it's God leading me to something or trying to tell me something, or my own thoughts that are coming to me.
What timing! Thanks always for your encouraging and wise words!
I woke up early this morning and spent some time with the Lord. I was planning on what I was going to listen to on the way into work when I heard God say nothing. I was to listen to him this morning. He spoke to me and let me know that I was to be kind today. That should be my focus as I would be tested and tried in this area today but that kindness should be my focus. I've been thinking lately about listening/hearing God and this devotional couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Oh Renee,
Did you ever hit a cord this morning!
I ask God to lead me where he wants me to go and I never seem to be able to understand what he is telling me. My thoughts drift in and out from my to-do lists, to going to work, who is going to be home to take care of the kids when I'm at work, what is for dinner, do I have enough money in my acct and so on. When I do settle in for some quiet time it seems that there is always another distraction: a garbage truck, the phone rings, the dogs bark and such. I always ask why am I here and what do you want me to do? I feel like I'm just walking around this earth in a fog wasting time that could be spent doing so much more.
Thanks for listening…
Sherry
Renee
God speaks to me through His word or through my
devotions. But I still long to hear His voice clear as day.
That has not happened for me bc I'm a hoarder.
My mind is so full of junk…why doesn't my older boy
believes in God anymore , why is my younger boy so angry , why am I so fearful & the list goes on. I know that
the moment to let go of all my junk, I will be free for
God to come in & sup with me.
So pray that I let go & let God speak to me.
Your sister in Christ
Kim
I am a mom homeschooling 2, and it has been hard to not let the distractions of the day sweep my time with Lord away. I am trying to get up and not look at anything else on the computer until I have connected with Him. I know He will teach me if I am faithful. What a good word for the new year….LISTEN. I picture it said in a hushed tone, by the Lord, and with a gesture to come closer so He can tell me, his beloved!! THANK you so much for your part in keeping this theme going in my life. I am still on shaky ground to change my old habits, but I know God is bigger and desires so much more for me than left on my own!!
Blessings,
Kathy