When is God....Saying What ?

Why is it that God sometimes speaks loud and clear and other times it seems like one can't hear His voice at all......? 

We would all love a "Google God" guaranteed internet answer system like "Ask Jeeves" but it just doesn't work that way! 

Candidly I'd rather 'Ask Jesus', -even if the answer doesn't come quickly or arrive with complete certainty!

"How do I know what to do?" 

Christians unquestionably have this in the top five questions they ask....

We can seek wise counsel, read books, and lean into our own experience, but ultimately, we need to 'Hear from God' on any issue that matters!
Most of us called friends & mentors with tough questions from time to time. 

The wisdom that were gained was invaluable, but I /you need to hear from God..... 

The good news is that God does speak to us. 

11 But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" 12 And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain." 13 Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" 14 God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I am has sent me to you." Exodus 3:11-14 

What blocks you from hearing God's voice? Admit that God is not obligated.....

He does not have to answer on our terms. 

We may not understand why He seems silent or why He's given an answer that is difficult to obey. 

But at the same time we must remember that God = Love. 

He cares about you and does not withhold out of spite, distance or anger. 

In fact, His love for you is extravagant! 

If you don't hear His voice, please know that God has not forgotten you & certainly is not punishing you. 

And when it comes to His purpose, God is with you, so much so the Spirit Himself helps you pray! 
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:26-28)

What blocks us from hearing God's voice? * If you haven't heard from God in a while, and you're not confident that He will answer, -that often shuts down divine communication. 

It is surprising how many Christians believe that God answers prayer, but have doubts when it comes to answering their own prayers......! 

It's important that you believe He will answer you personally! 

* If you are over-busy and attempting to do everything on your own, you can inadvertently crowd out God's voice........ 

If you think you can handle it on your own, God might just let you! 

Take time off, time to be quiet and just be.......... still.

*If you are tired, frustrated or angry it is difficult to hear God's voice. 

God still speaks, but you are not able to hear. 

You may need time to rest & gain fresh perspective. 

That may sound like a catch-22. 

You need God's perspective to get God's perspective. 

That is our humanity coming through....... 

You can't change that !

Just know God is present and your human body and mind may need a little rest before you are ready to listen....

* Pride blocks God's voice. 

Again, He's still talking, but disobedience shuts down spiritual receptivity. 

The longer you let it go, the harder your heart can get. 

Is there anything in play you need to take care of?

* You might not be ready. 

If you think about it, -God has an answer. 

Your problem hasn't stumped Him. 

It might be that God is preparing you for what He has in mind. 

If the situation requires an immediate answer, and that certainly can be the case, (then please review the first four reasons for a possible blockage from hearing His voice...)
How does God speak to you? 
For the longest time God has spoken to me while I'm jogging &/or in the Veld (Woods)! 

It's different for everyone. 

For most it's in the quietness of being 'still before God'. 

God can speak to you anytime and anywhere, but I think there is something significant about our habits and patterns..... 

When you establish a routine, my experience is that you are more likely to consistently hear from Him. 

...... what is the last thing God said to you?

How do you know if it's God?This can be complicated.....

Let's be honest, it's not always easy to know if it's God or your own thoughts. 

I think it's more practical than mystical. 

It comes with practice. 

The more you listen and obey the more you know His voice. 

It's that simple, but it's not easy. 

It gets tougher if God seems to be silent, but we know that God never leaves us and so He sometimes calls us to wait. 

You can seek wise counsel and read the Word, both are good, but there is something powerful about hearing directly from God.

That's where a Christian's 'true confidence' (in Jesus), comes from. 

What if you don't know what to pray? Sometimes when I pray, and I don't know what to pray, or I don't feel connected, I just sit with God! ..........Really...... 

Just be...... being with God in /at your favorite place of prayer, with your Bible open, if you prefer, -but with no pressure to perform. 

Be simply in His Presence. 

Not napping or daydreaming, but feeling no need to impress anyone or do anything. 

Be content to sit before the King of Kings and just wait because you know He will speak...in His' Time & in His Way!

Shalom ............. & Maranatha