I wanted to share some keys on how to discern God's voice more clearly in this season. Below you will find one that I hope will help you flow in this amazing gift more while also dispelling some misconceptions that may be holding you back.
God Speaks To You In Various Ways
I don't know who started this way or thinking or behavior but there are many people who try to limit the way God speaks to them to just one way.
"I'm a seer" "I only feel things" "I only hear things" or "God only speaks to me when the clock on my phone shows 5:55" That last one I'm only partially joking.
Part of this way of thinking can be connected to different times when certain ways of hearing God were "in-vogue" I can remember for a time that those that heard a small voice in their spirit were looked down upon by others that had dreams. Still yet, those that had visions condescended to the dreamers because, well the vision people had to do more work while the dreamers just had to sleep through everything. And of course, all three of these kinds of people had to bend the knee and kiss the ring of the one that had angelic visitations. It's so funny the things we compete with in the Church.
I want to encourage you that God doesn't communicate to you in just ONE way. One of the most beautiful things about God is how He creates a unique mix for each of His children on how He speaks and communicates to them. Part of learning to hear God is discovering what your unique mix is and having the sensitivity to notice it in whatever way it comes. In God there is expansion, forward movement and rivers that spring forth with life. Why then should we expect God to talk to us in the same old way day in and day out? It makes no sense and this improper belief has robbed people of the full color and vibrance of God's communication to them. Don't let that be you.
THE KEY TO UNLOCKING THE FULL MIX OF YOUR ABILITY TO HEAR GOD
1. Ask Him
So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Matthew 7:11 (NASB)
This seems basic but it's something most people don't dare to do. Most people don't receive from God because they don't even ask Him. Don't let the lie of unworthiness keep you from your portion. Ask God to expand and sharpen your ability to hear Him. If you want to have more visions, or dreams, ask Him.
2. Desire Earnestly (Unwaveringly, unrelentingly, increasing in your fire to attain it as time goes on)
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
I Corinthians 14:39
Prophecy is the one thing in the Bible that God commands us to covet. That is how much intensity He wants us to have in our pursuit of His voice. For many of us, the intensity of our pursuit to hear His voice looks more like a game of hop-scotch than it does a man wide-eyed and frantic in his pursuit to fill an addiction. Intensity and deep desire helps with the third component.
3. Allow Your Eyes to Be Opened
The desire and earnest burning to attain what God wants to give you causes your senses to be awakened to see God wherever and whenever He presents Himself. When you combine these three things, you will find yourself swimming in an ocean of His voice.
Best,
David