There’s a line from Psalm 95 that says, “If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your heart.” Last weekend, I had a great conversation with a friend of mine on the question of hearing the voice of God in our lives. How do you know when you hear the voice of God?
Brief clarification: I think there are a few people who are gifted with literally hearing the voice of God. In other words, God speaks to them directly. I greatly respect those who have this gift. What I am talking about is how God speaks to most people, myself included, indirectly through other people, nature, or other life experiences. For example, seeing a sunset reminds me of God’s presence and I often hear God say to me, “You have been blessed with life this day.” My response is most always, “Wow, God! Thank you and please do it again!”
So back to the questions: How do you hear the voice of God in your life? And how do you know when you hear the voice of God? How do you know? Is it God’s voice? Or the voice of your ego? Or a negative motive—such as greed or pride? How do you know?
In the Christian tradition, this process of listening, questioning, and pondering God’s voice in our lives is known as discernment. Discernment is defined as the process of showing keen insight and good judgment.
For me, the process of discernment is a daily and lifelong practice. I find talking with my close friends as well as a spiritual director (one who is a listening companion in my spiritual journey) to be most helpful in recognizing and listening to God’s voice in my life. Also, I experience God’s voice in the gut of my being—I feel a positive “yes” deep within. This is an affirmation of God’s presence in my life.
So back to the questions: How do you hear the voice of God in your life? And how do you know when you hear the voice of God? Recognize that these are ongoing questions lived out daily. How are you being attentive to God? I welcome your thoughts, your keen insight, and wisdom from your good judgment.
“If today you hear the voice of God, harden not your heart.” (Psalm 95)
Blessings this day!
