There is a critical need in the body of Christ today as a whole and as individuals to hear the voice of God. We tend to compartmentalize how He speaks..trying to box Him in when it has not been His way with us. Yet, God can speak how He chooses certainly…and when. Over time I have learned “His way with me.” It doesn’t mean it will be His way with you..however. You and I have different love languages. He has been a visual speaker to my heart. From feathers painted in the sky, love letters on glorious walks, as well as pictures in my mind’s eye, or animals crossing my path causing enough stirring in me to research. From dandelions to lilies to mountains and valleys…I am a visual hearer. Yet, this is not only His way with me. When He is preparing to speak to me a song or poem, I typically will hear the first line begin in my head. It’s a small whisper..so faint I use to miss it… or dismiss it really. Then over time I learned it was His voice.
He speaks in many many ways. In the Word we see visions and dreams of a supernatural stirring. We also see Him speak through people..His messengers..preachers, teachers, and prophets. All are at His disposal.
We are His creations…He is a our Father…by His hand we were made..so He knows our language. The innate way we are able to hear His sweet voice. With me..music is a vital part of life. He sends me His heart through lyrics and melodies. I can be reading His word or honestly His Spirit can wake me in the night with a single word or phrase that He wants me to begin pondering, praying about, and researching. He put inside of me the ability to “see His voice” before I “hear His voice.” Learning His way with you is how you will go deeper with Him. It will take daily time with Him.
Please know that devotionals and quick prayer times can be impactful…this is not my point. However, I have learned over the years that unrushed time in prayer, pondering, reading or listening to His Word is necessary to truly walk with Christ. Hearing His voice is not a drive thru activity…that will become only a ritual with little life with Him. He is a waiting listener to the outpouring of your heart…He wants to walk and talk with you about your heartaches and joys. He wants time with you. Many times I have not felt His presence in my closet until after I have waited upon Him for a bit. If I had rushed away, the sweetness of His coming would have been missed.
There is no formula to spending time with Him…over the years my times with Him have changed. Some times there is more worship and sometimes more reading of His Word. Sometimes I do a lot of talking and sometimes none at all. Be careful not to legalize your time with Him…His Spirit enjoys freedom. I have found as well that my deepest outpouring of sorrow and tears with raw authentic transparency as to what I am feeling, needing, struggling with has brought Him to me in the most powerful way… He loves to know I trust Him with it all..I have learned that before His throne I can walk in the light..so that any darkness He can dispel.
To know God’s way with you is paramount
For it is how He speaks.
In a way You’ll understand
A language between you and He.
His children all so uniquely made
With specific inner needs.
For by His hand He knew you well
And how to you He’d speak.
Time it is what cultivates the training of His VOICE.
Quiet times and Unctions made
An inner dance of sorts.
Whether with a visual bent
Or words that capture thee
For He knows well how you’ll hear
And how He’ll need to speak.
O’ Confine not His lovely ways
For supernatural are these.
It’s by His Spirit and sovereign choice
Yet you must choose to seek.
(Shelly Wilson, June 3, 2015)
