As we learned in A Guide for Hearing God’s Voice, we know He wants to speak with, through and to us. Our relationship with God is not meant to be one-sided; it is a dialogue. Just as any loving parent desires to speak with their child, God wishes to engage with us, and offers us guidance, wisdom, comfort, and love. We serve a living God who is not silent, but actively involved in our lives, and we’re called to a life of intimacy with Him. These are the 9 ways God communicates with us.
1. Creation
Every sunrise, growing plant, and falling raindrop serves as a testament to God’s role as the creator of the universe and His desire to communicate with us daily. David frequently reflected on creation in the Psalms, and God undoubtedly used His creation to speak to David.
David wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world” – Psalm 19:1-4
Jesus also used creation to demonstrate eternal truths to us in Matthew 6:25: “Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?
And Paul writes, “20 For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse.” Romans 1:20. The essence of God’s eternal power and divine nature is manifested in the beauty and complexity of the world around us. From the majestic mountains to the intricate design of a single leaf, every aspect of creation echoes the presence and majesty of the Creator. No one can claim ignorance of God’s existence. The very stones beneath our feet, if they could, would proclaim His sovereignty. This natural evidence of God speaks to us in every corner of creation.
2. Scripture
The primary way God speaks to us is through Scripture. The Bible stands as God’s Word, flawless in its guidance and teachings. It should be our foremost reference for discerning God’s voice in our lives. God’s Word brings comfort in times of distress, wisdom in moments of uncertainty and guidance for our daily decisions. He offers direction, encouragement, and peace to those who immerse themselves in His Word.
Consider the following passages:
2 Timothy 3: 16-17 says: 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55: 10-11
The Bible teaches us who God is, how He views us, and how we can live in a way that aligns with His will. Its teachings are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. We must submit ourselves to God’s word and take that as the foundation for our lives. Equally, we must fight the temptation to conform to societal pressures or personal discomfort that might lead us to disregard certain biblical teachings in favor of others that seem more palatable.
Understanding the context in which Scripture was written and the intended audience is crucial and we must ensure that we are not manipulating its message to suit our preferences. Whenever we believe we have heard God’s voice through means other than Scripture, it is essential to test these words against the weight of Scripture to confirm that we are actually hearing God’s voice. He does not contradict Himself.
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth will help you to read the Bible correctly. In addition, there are some incredible free resources available at Desiring God and The Gospel Coalition as well to help you in your study.
3. Inner Work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity, alongside God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ). God chooses to communicate with us through the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guiding and communicating with us in various ways. “16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:16. The inner work of the Holy Spirit may be experienced as impressions, feelings, or a tangible presence, and the Holy Spirit actively speaks to us in our daily lives.
Believers are often empowered by the inner work of the Holy Spirit to serve and uplift the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 speaks of these gifts, given by the Spirit for the common good, ranging from wisdom and knowledge to faith and healing. These are markers of the Holy Spirit’s presence and also tools for ministry, designed to build up the church and advance God’s kingdom on earth.
It’s also worth noting that in our journey with the Holy Spirit, 1 John 4:1 urges us to be discerning. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” The Holy Spirit’s voice will always be rooted in Scripture, ensuring that our experiences and revelations align with the Word of God.
4. Audible Voice
We hear of God speaking audibly to Paul whilst he was on the road to Damascus in Acts 22:6-7, and changed the purpose of his life entirely. “6 About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’
Similarly, Peter hears God’s voice in a vision, and is given an instruction that would challenge and expand his understanding of God’s kingdom. Acts 10:13-16: 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” 14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” 15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” 16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
God also calls out to Samuel in the night in 1 Samuel 3:4, and as a young boy, he’s awakened by the voice of God, which marks the beginning of his prophetic mission. “4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.”
In the books titled Surprised by the Voice of God and Surprised by the Power of the Spirit, there are further testimonies and scriptural examples of when God’s audible voice has been heard. Additionally, C H Spurgeon Autobiography has some incredible accounts of the Holy Spirit speaking to Him.
5. Miracles
Miracles are events that defy natural explanations and reveal God’s intervention and work in the physical world. God often speaks to us through these miracles, physically demonstrating His power and presence. Scripture includes many miraculous events, some of which are summarized below.
God, through Moses, enabled the Israelites to escape from Egyptian pursuit by parting the Red Sea. Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and God drove the sea back with a strong east wind, turning it into dry land. This created a path for the Israelites to cross through the sea safely, with walls of water on both sides, showcasing God’s power and protection over His people. – Exodus 14:21-22
Naaman, a distinguished commander of the Syrian army, was afflicted with leprosy. A young Israelite servant girl in his household told him about a prophet in Samaria who could cure him. With his king’s blessing, Naaman set out to find Elisha, the prophet. Upon reaching Elisha’s residence, instead of meeting him directly, Elisha sent a messenger with instructions for Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be healed. Naaman, expecting a more grandiose healing ritual, initially reacted with indignation and disbelief. However, he was persuaded by his servants to listen to Elisha’s simple directive, Naaman dipped himself in the Jordan River seven times. Miraculously, his leprosy was cured, leaving his skin completely clear. This miraculous healing led Naaman to proclaim the God of Israel as the only true God. – 2 Kings 5:1-14
When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached Him, pleading for help for his servant, who was paralyzed and in great distress. The centurion expressed his unworthiness to have Jesus enter his home but believed that if Jesus merely spoke a word, his servant would be healed. Acknowledging the centurion’s faith, which He declared was greater than any He had found in Israel, Jesus proclaimed that the servant was healed. At that very moment, the servant was restored. This shows us the faith of the centurion, the miraculous power of Jesus and His grace in extending his ministry beyond the Jewish people to a Roman centurion. – Matthew 8:5-13
After Jesus’s crucifixion and burial, Mary Magdalene and another Mary (Jesus’ mother) visited His tomb early in the morning. To their astonishment, they found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. An angel of the Lord greeted them. The angel told the women that Jesus had risen from the dead, just as He had promised. The angel then instructed them to go quickly and tell Jesus’s disciples that He had been raised from the dead and that He was going ahead of them into Galilee, where they would see Him. Filled with fear and great joy, the women hurried away from the tomb to carry the angel’s message to the disciples. Matthew 28:5-7
God still communicates with us through miracles today by displaying His supernatural power and presence in extraordinary ways.
6. Friendship and Encouragement
God often uses our community, friends and family as conduits for His guidance, wisdom, affirmation, encouragement and workings in our lives.
When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses was hesitant and doubted his ability to speak effectively. In response, God provided his brother Aaron as a spokesperson and encourager. God used Aaron’s friendship and support to help Moses fulfill his divine calling. Exodus 4:14-17
The friendship between David and Jonathan is one of the most famous friendships in the Bible. Their bond was so strong that it’s described as if their souls were knit together. Jonathan encouraged David during his difficult times, even when Jonathan’s own father, King Saul, was trying to kill David. This friendship was a source of strength and encouragement for David. 1 Samuel 18:1-4
After Saul’s conversion to Christianity and transformation into the Apostle Paul, many believers were skeptical of him because of his past persecution of Christians. However, it was Barnabas who encouraged and vouched for Paul, helping him gain acceptance among the early Christian community. Barnabas played a crucial role in Paul’s ministry. Acts 9:26-28; Acts 11:25-26
7. Trials and Hardship
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
God can speak to us through difficult times and suffering. Trials increase our reliance on and faith in God, reveal His presence in those moments, and refine our character in ways that peace and prosperity cannot. These trials will always have a purpose. They can expose our weaknesses and areas in need of growth, such as patience, humility, and compassion. God works through these trials to shape and mold us more into the likeness of Christ.
8. Dreams and Visions
God told us he would communicate with us through dreams and visions in Joel 2:28. These dreams and visions come in various forms:
Direct Messages: In some instances, God uses dreams and visions to deliver direct messages or instructions. These messages can provide guidance, encouragement, warnings, or insights into God’s will. For an example, read the story of Joseph in Genesis 37.
Symbolic Language: God often communicates with us through symbolic language in dreams and visions. The symbolism in these experiences can be open to interpretation and may require discernment. For example, in Revelation, John’s vision is filled with symbolism that conveys spiritual truths and prophecies. In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, is troubled by a dream that none of his wise men can interpret. Daniel, a young Jewish exile known for his wisdom and faith, is brought before the king. God reveals both the dream and its interpretation to Daniel.
Confirmation and Reassurance: Dreams and visions can serve as a means of confirmation or reassurance from God. They can affirm a person’s faith, decisions, or calling. Gideon sought confirmation from God through a fleece (Judges 6:36-40), and God provided it.
Conviction of Sin: God may use dreams and visions to convict us of sin, prompting us to repent and turn to Him. These experiences are a call to righteousness and holiness.
Revelation: Dreams and visions can provide glimpses into spiritual realms and realities that are not obvious in the physical world. They can reveal God’s glory, the heavenly realm, or the spiritual battles taking place.
Personal Guidance and Direction: God gives us guidance and direction for our personal lives and decisions through dreams and visions. These experiences can offer insights into relationships, career choices, and other aspects of life.
Prophetic Insights: In both the Old and New Testaments, prophets received many of their messages and prophecies through dreams and visions. God uses these experiences to convey His Word to His people.
Remember and write down your dreams and ask God for their significance, as He may be speaking to you through them.
9. Angels
Angels have been instrumental throughout biblical history, appearing in critical moments to convey God’s will and direction. An angel announced the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah, and John the Baptist and Jesus to their respective parents. Angels provided strength and comfort to Jesus in the wilderness, and have been active participants in God’s plan for salvation. Angels are God’s servants and can appear to deliver messages or assistance. Hebrews 13:2 says that some have even unknowingly entertained angels when showing hospitality to strangers.
Resource List
Books:
Louie Giglio, Indescribable: Encountering the Glory of God in the Beauty of the Universe. Thomas Nelson, 2011. A book that explores the majesty of God’s creation and how it speaks to us about His nature and love.
Jack S. Deere, Surprised by the Voice of God: How God Speaks Today Through Prophecies, Dreams, and Visions. Zondervan, 1996. Deere shares biblical insights and personal experiences regarding hearing God’s voice audibly.
Billy Graham, Angels: God’s Secret Agents. Thomas Nelson, 1975. Graham offers biblical insights into the roles of angels in God’s communication with humanity.
Timothy Keller, Walking with God through Pain and Suffering. Penguin Books, 2015. Keller offers biblical wisdom on how God communicates and is present in our trials.
C.H. Spurgeon, Autobiography: The Full Harvest. Banner of Truth, 1973. Spurgeon’s accounts include experiences of hearing God’s voice, providing historical and spiritual insights.
Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Zondervan, 2014. This guide helps readers understand and interpret the Bible, emphasizing the importance of Scripture as God’s primary way of speaking to us.
John Piper, Reading the Bible Supernaturally: Seeing and Savoring the Glory of God in Scripture. Crossway, 2017. Focuses on how to approach the Bible with the intent to see the glory of God and hear His voice.
Francis Chan, Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit. David C Cook, 2009. Chan discusses the vital role of the Holy Spirit in our lives and how He communicates with us.
Video Content
The Bible Project: An animated series that provides overviews of biblical books and themes, helping viewers understand the context and messages of Scripture.
Louie Giglio’s Indescribable Tour: A series of talks complementing the book, showcasing the wonders of creation and God’s voice through it.
Online
Desiring God: Offers a wealth of articles, sermons, and resources on hearing God’s voice and understanding Scripture.
The Gospel Coalition: Provides articles, courses, and multimedia resources focused on biblical teachings and the Christian life.
