A Glimpse – The Gambia

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness.

Hearing the voice of God is a central theme throughout Scripture. From the gentle whisper to the thunderous proclamation, God’s voice guides, comforts, and instructs His people. Understanding how to hear His voice is crucial for anyone seeking to follow His will. Here are seven Bible verses that highlight the importance of hearing and recognizing God’s voice.

1. John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

Jesus uses the metaphor of sheep and a shepherd to describe the relationship between Himself and His followers. Just as sheep recognize and respond to the voice of their shepherd, believers are called to recognize and follow the voice of Jesus. Hearing God’s voice is not just about recognition, but also about obedience. When we truly hear Him, we follow where He leads.

2. 1 Kings 19:11-12 – “And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.”

God’s voice is not always found in the loud and dramatic. Instead, He often speaks in a “low whisper” or “still small voice.” Be still and quiet your hearts, creating space to hear the subtle yet profound voice of God. It teaches us that God often communicates in ways that require us to listen carefully and attentively.

3. Isaiah 30:21 – “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”

God provides guidance, even in the midst of uncertainty. As we navigate life’s decisions, God’s voice directs us, showing us the right path. This promise of divine guidance encourages us to trust that God will speak to us when we need direction, leading us on the path He has set before us.

4. Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

In the busyness and noise of life, it can be challenging to discern God’s voice. However, by intentionally being still and acknowledging His sovereignty, we create an environment where we are more likely to hear Him speak. Stillness allows us to focus on God and tune in to His voice.

5. Hebrews 3:7-8 – “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness.’”

Hearing God’s voice requires not only listening but also being willing to act on what we hear. A hardened heart can prevent us from fully receiving God’s message and guidance. This verse calls us to be open and responsive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings.

6. Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

We are encouraged to seek God actively, knowing that He desires to reveal deep and profound truths to us. It emphasizes the relational aspect of hearing God’s voice, where we engage in dialogue with Him, confident that He will respond.

7. Revelation 3:20 – “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

Jesus stands at the door of our hearts, knocking and speaking. The invitation is clear: if we hear His voice and open the door, He will come in and fellowship with us. This verse highlights the personal and relational aspect of God’s communication, emphasizing that hearing His voice leads to deeper communion with Him.

Conclusion

Hearing the voice of God is a profound and essential part of the Christian life. These verses remind us that God speaks in various ways—sometimes in a whisper, sometimes in guidance, and always with a heart of love. To hear His voice, we must cultivate stillness, maintain a receptive heart, and be willing to respond in faith. As we do, we draw closer to God, following His lead and growing in our relationship with Him.

A Song of Praise

1 All you that are righteous,

shout for joy for what the Lord has done;

praise him, all you that obey him.

2 Give thanks to the Lord with harps,

sing to him with stringed instruments.

3 Sing a new song to him,

play the harp with skill, and shout for joy!

4 The words of the Lord are true,

and all his works are dependable.

5 The Lord loves what is righteous and just;

his constant love fills the earth.

6 The Lord created the heavens by his command,

the sun, moon, and stars by his spoken word.

7 He gathered all the seas into one place;

he shut up the ocean depths in storerooms.

8 Worship the Lord, all the earth!

Honor him, all peoples of the world!

9 When he spoke, the world was created;

at his command everything appeared.

10 The Lord frustrates the purposes of the nations;

he keeps them from carrying out their plans.

11 But his plans endure forever;

his purposes last eternally.

12 Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord;

happy are the people he has chosen for his own!

13 The Lord looks down from heaven

and sees all of us humans.

14 From where he rules, he looks down

on all who live on earth.

15 He forms all their thoughts

and knows everything they do.

16 A king does not win because of his powerful army;

a soldier does not triumph because of his strength.

17 War horses are useless for victory;

their great strength cannot save.

18 The Lord watches over those who obey him,

those who trust in his constant love.

19 He saves them from death;

he keeps them alive in times of famine.

20 We put our hope in the Lord;

he is our protector and our help.

21 We are glad because of him;

we trust in his holy name.

22 May your constant love be with us, Lord,

as we put our hope in you.