You’ve probably heard some Bible teachers and ministers say that if you think you are hearing God’s voice, check to see if that message agrees with His Word—the Bible. However, it’s not that simple.
Though the Word of God does provide all we need to know regarding salvation and Godliness, Oftentimes, we need specific guidance with life’s decisions that the Bible does not directly address such as…
The following is a list of five broad categories describing ways God speaks, as mentioned in the Bible. Also, what will follow is a brief description of how you can know you are hearing from Him...
And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11-12-KJV).
The way we apply this is by finding that quiet place free from noise and distractions, where we can "tune in" to God's voice. Sometimes it takes patience. That's where we can apply the concept of waiting on the Lord. It helps to keep a journal to record your impressions--what God may be speaking to you about regarding situations in your life.
"Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind..." (Job 38:1).
Another translation says God spoke to Job out of the storm. At times in my past, I certainly have felt stuck in the midst of such a force of nature. In other words, the whirlwind can represent life's problems or the storms of life.
Job experienced this in Chapter 1 and verse 19, where a strong wind came from the wilderness and killed Job's sons and daughters. Then toward the end of the Book, we see that God spoke out of the whirlwind.
When God spoke to Job out of the storm, he asked questions, which implied the message of God's sovereignty and infinite wisdom and power.
In the storms of life, the key is to focus on God and those attributes as opposed to dwelling on the immensity of the problem. God is infinitely bigger than all of life's difficulties.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).
If you are going through a trial, you may want to look up Scriptures that cover that topic. I used to do a random opening of the Bible approach, but I find it more helpful to pray for the Lord to bring me to a specific passage or to look up a set of verses that apply to my situation.
Those other people including preachers, teachers, counselors, mentors, etc.
But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8).
God may speak through someone...
In each of these cases, God may give you a word or a confirmation of a message you already received. Clearly, in Acts 1:8 as well as in Matthew 28:18-20, God uses people to send forth His Word. Be alert and sensitive to what He may want to say to you through other people.
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams (Acts 2:17).
In regard to angels, you'll find numerous passages, especially in the Old Testament, in which angels appeared and gave messages from God to people. God may still choose to communicate in that way today, although that's not expected with the completed Word of God.
It's the same way with dreams. God can do whatever He wants in that sense and communicate in that way too, but we probably shouldn't expect Him to do that often, unless what is described in Acts 2:17 above comes to pass in the form of a revival, in which God pours out His Spirit.
God can also speak in an audible voice as He did in Gen 3:8, for example. Some have had personal encounters like this, as in one person's description at this link:
Hearing The Audible Voice Of God - Awakening Magazine
The experience described is based on Job 37:2: “Listen closely to the thunder of His voice, and the rumbling that goes out from His mouth” (NASB).
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