We’ve seen that God speaks to us through His word, other people, the Holy Spirit, and circumstances.  How can I sharpen my listening skills so I am can ensure that I’m hearing from Him?  Here are three practices that will help you to hear from God:

Come with dependence upon Him

Many times we think we know what is best – we think that we can figure out the situation.  You must realize that your life with God will involve a task that is bigger than what you can do in your own strength.  As the Psalmist said, “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10).  This involves humility – can I trust God and others with myself?  Can I let go of my plans to gain His perspective?

Get rid of distractions

We can become so distracted with the demands of life that we cannot hear God speaking to us – there is too much noise!  The noise may be external from the busyness of life or the noise may be internal from our own anxiety and lack of peace.  We may think we’re too busy to pray but the reality is we are too busy not to pray.  When Moses first heard from God he was in the desert with no distractions.

Jesus likewise knew the importance of solitude.  After an extremely busy day and night of ministry we read in Mark 1:35 “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.”  The word “secluded” conveys the idea of solitary, lonely, desolate, and uninhabited.  That leads to our next practice:

Create space in your life to hear from God

Our lives can become so busy that the important matters of life can be pushed aside by the demands of the urgent.  No doubt many of the activities you’re involved in are good and beneficial but good is the enemy of best.  If you are not proactive the good things in life can crowd out the best that God has for you.  When is the last time you had an extended time of solitude and silence before God – not with an agenda, but just listening to Him?  In our frenetic, fast-paced society the need for solitude and silence has never been greater. 

Have you considered that God can speak to you through silence?  We must realize that His silence does not mean He is absent.  Listen to Him and gain His perspective for your journey and He will lead you in the right pathway!  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).