Hearing.  Speaking.  Communication. What do these three have in common?  Words.  We hear, speak and communicate using words to become acquainted with one another. So it only stands to reason that God would also use words.

From the beginning of time He has used the spoken word, the written Word and incarnate Word so we could become acquainted with Him and know Him intimately.  His primary form of communication with us has not changed.   It is us who have changed.

We’ve allowed technology, other books and forms of print besides the Word of God, and even Christian speakers to replace our need for hearing from Him.  All of these things are good, but there needs to be boundaries set so we can hear directly from God in a personal, intimate way.  What we take in through technology, printed word and speakers has been pre-digested by someone else.  They have heard the voice of God in their personal walk with the Lord and they are sharing it with us.

That is not to say there’s no place for those things in our lives.  I’m thankful you are using technology to read this devotional.  But reading devotionals online or in book form can never replace our time alone with the Lord.

During my times of silence before the Lord, He has used His Word and His Spirit to both convict me of sin and to tell me I’m His cherished possession.  When I am reading His Word,  listening to it being read on a CD,  or even singing Scripture songs, I find myself in a place where I can hear the voice of God.  There is no new revelation, no new word from the Lord, only that which is already contained in His Word.  By being in the Word I find myself becoming intimately acquainted with Him and I begin to know and understand His truths and recognize His guidance in my life.

Being in the Word involves engaging my mind in an attempt to understand and apply the truths contained within its pages.  2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

Being in the Word of God will permeate my life and I will begin to see how it intersects with every area of my life. “Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your heart to God.” Colossians 3:16

Of all the spiritual practices used to hear the voice of God, being in the Scriptures is first and foremost.  The Bible is a “living and active’ book (Hebrews 4:12); I’m not to merely know the principles it contains, but I’m to connect with the Person it proclaims.

Do you desire to hear His voice, to become more intimately acquainted with Him?  Here are eight tips to help you.

Being in the Word of God will produce fruit in your life.

• Loving God with you mind, not just your fickle, emotional heart.
• Learn how to internalize what He’s teaching you through His Word.
• It puts you in a place where God can instruct and correct you.
• Grow in your ability to defend and express your faith.

There will be quiet seasons in your life when you may not hear the voice of God.  It’s during those times we must reach up and take His hand and trust Him to guide us through the unknown.  By keeping close even when He seems silent, we will gain strength by re-reading and meditating on the Words we found to be true before.  He does not change.  His silence is for a reason.  Look at the life of Joseph (Genesis 37-50) or Job and read through the Psalms.

When you don’t hear His voice, fix your gaze upon Him and experience calmness, serenity and quietness stemming from the awareness that He is near and will see you through.  Remember, it’s not about us, it’s about what brings Him glory.

To read part 1 of this 3 part series click here.  Part 2 can be found here.