Hearing God's Voice: Embracing His Communication Today

Summary

Have you ever wondered if God still speaks to people today, or even if He would speak to you personally? God is not silent—He is a God who communicates with His people, just as He did throughout the Bible. Sometimes, our own skepticism, fear, or past experiences can make us doubt that God wants to speak to us, or that we could ever discern His voice. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd, assures us that His sheep know His voice, and that includes each one of us. God values us as His masterpieces, and it is reasonable to believe that He desires to communicate with us.

God speaks in many ways, not just through an audible voice. In Scripture, He spoke through burning bushes, donkeys, visions, and even through other people. Today, He often speaks through His Word, through thoughts that are clearly not our own, and through the encouragement or wisdom of others. The key is to broaden our understanding of how God might choose to speak, and to recognize that these moments can become anchors for our faith—reminders of God’s faithfulness and guidance in our lives.

Learning to hear and discern God’s voice is much like learning a musical instrument. It takes practice, patience, and intentionality. We may not always get it right, but as we continue to seek Him, our confidence and clarity will grow. There are practical steps we can take: first, presume that God wants to speak to you. Second, position yourself to hear from Him by spending time in His Word, in worship, and in quiet moments of prayer. Third, process what you sense God is saying by filtering it through Scripture, seeking wise counsel, and committing it to prayer. Finally, when you are confident you have heard from God, proceed with obedience and confidence, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.

When we prioritize hearing God’s voice and respond in obedience, we experience greater direction, purpose, and peace. We grow into the people God created us to be, and we find ourselves living lives marked by His guidance and love. The invitation is simple: pursue God, and never stop pursuing Him, because He is always pursuing you with His goodness and unfailing love.

Key Takeaways

- God Still Speaks and Values You Deeply
God’s desire to communicate with us is rooted in His love and value for us as His masterpieces. Even if you have doubts or feel unworthy, remember that Jesus calls His followers “sheep” who know His voice. This is not reserved for a spiritual elite, but for every believer who belongs to Him. [17:49]

- God’s Voice Comes in Many Forms
Limiting God’s communication to only audible voices can cause us to miss the many ways He speaks. He may use Scripture, a sudden thought, or the encouragement of another person to reach us. Recognizing the diversity of God’s methods helps us stay open and attentive to His leading in everyday life. [13:16]

- Hearing God Requires Intentional Positioning
Just as a musician practices to improve, we must intentionally position ourselves to hear from God. This means creating space in our lives—through worship, Scripture, and undistracted moments—where we can listen for His voice. Regularly returning to these environments increases our sensitivity to His guidance. [21:49]

- Discernment and Community Are Essential
When you sense God speaking, it’s vital to process what you hear through the lens of Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel. God will never contradict His Word, and trusted spiritual mentors can help confirm or clarify what you believe you’ve heard. This process guards against error and deepens your confidence in following God’s direction. [25:18]

- Obedience Unlocks Growth and Purpose
Responding to God’s voice often requires stepping out of comfort and into the unknown. Yet, it is in obedience that we discover God’s faithfulness, experience transformation, and find true fulfillment. When we prioritize God’s call over our comfort, we are shaped into the people He designed us to be, and our lives become testimonies of His love and leadership. [29:13]

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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:41] - Introduction and Personal Story
[02:52] - Encountering God’s Voice at the Altar
[07:40] - Common Barriers to Hearing God
[09:55] - God Speaks in Scripture: Old and New Testament
[11:40] - Modern Examples of God Speaking
[13:16] - The Many Ways God Speaks
[14:21] - Healthy Leadership and Discernment
[16:09] - Learning to Discern God’s Voice
[16:59] - God’s Value for Us as His Masterpiece
[18:47] - Four Steps to Hearing God’s Voice
[21:49] - Positioning Yourself to Hear God
[24:30] - Processing and Discerning God’s Voice
[26:09] - Obedience and Walking in God’s Guidance
[27:03] - The Cost of Ignoring God’s Voice
[28:02] - The Blessings of Following God’s Leading
[29:13] - Growth Through Obedience
[30:36] - Pursuing God as He Pursues Us
[31:28] - Invitation to Respond and Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Hearing God’s Voice

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### Bible Reading

- John 10:27 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
- Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
- Psalm 27:7-8 – “Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”

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### Observation Questions

1. In John 10:27, what does Jesus say about His relationship with His followers and their ability to hear His voice?
2. According to Ephesians 2:10, how does God view us, and what does that suggest about His desire to communicate with us?
3. The sermon mentioned several ways God spoke in the Bible (burning bush, donkey, visions, other people). What are some of the different ways God speaks to people today, as described in the sermon? [[13:16]]
4. In Psalm 27:8, what is the response of the heart when God invites us to come and talk with Him?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus uses the image of sheep and a shepherd to describe how we hear His voice? What does this say about trust and relationship? [[09:55]]
2. The sermon compares learning to hear God’s voice to learning a musical instrument. What does this analogy suggest about the process and challenges of discerning God’s voice? [[16:09]]
3. The speaker lists skepticism, fear, and past experiences as barriers to hearing God. Why might these be such powerful obstacles, and how can they be overcome? [[07:40]]
4. Why is it important to process what we think God is saying through Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel? What could happen if we skip this step? [[25:18]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon encourages us to “presume God wants to speak to you.” Do you find it easy or difficult to believe that God wants to speak to you personally? Why or why not? [[18:47]]
2. What are some practical ways you can “position yourself” to hear from God this week? Is there a specific time, place, or practice (like reading Scripture, worship, or quiet prayer) you want to prioritize? [[21:49]]
3. Think about a time when you sensed God might be speaking to you—through Scripture, a thought, or another person. How did you process that experience? Did you seek confirmation through the Bible or wise counsel? [[24:30]]
4. The sermon says that God’s voice can come in many forms, not just an audible voice. Are there ways God might be trying to speak to you now that you haven’t noticed or expected? [[13:16]]
5. The speaker shares that obedience to God’s voice sometimes means stepping out of your comfort zone. Is there an area in your life where you sense God might be calling you to take a step of faith or make a change? What’s holding you back? [[29:13]]
6. The sermon highlights the importance of community and wise counsel in discerning God’s voice. Who are the trusted people in your life you can talk to when you think God is speaking to you? [[25:18]]
7. The final encouragement is to “pursue God, and never stop pursuing Him.” What is one specific way you can pursue God more intentionally this month? [[30:36]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for open hearts to hear God’s voice, courage to obey, and for each other as you all seek to grow in recognizing God’s guidance.

Devotional

Day 1: God Still Speaks to His People Today
God is not silent; He continues to speak to His people just as He did in the days of the Bible. Whether through Scripture, a gentle impression, or the encouragement of others, God desires to communicate with you personally. Even if you have doubts or fears, or if past experiences have made you skeptical, remember that God’s voice is not reserved for a select few. He longs for a relationship with you and wants you to recognize His voice in your life. When you open your heart to the possibility that God is speaking, you begin to notice His guidance and presence in new and powerful ways. [07:40]

John 10:27 (ESV)
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have doubted that God would speak to you personally? Can you ask God today to help you listen for His voice with an open heart?


Day 2: You Are God’s Masterpiece—He Wants to Communicate with You
God values you so deeply that He calls you His masterpiece, and He desires to speak with you as a loving Creator to His beloved creation. When you understand your worth in God’s eyes, it becomes easier to believe that He wants to communicate with you, guide you, and reveal His plans for your life. You are not overlooked or forgotten; God’s love for you is personal and intentional, and He delights in leading you as His own. [17:49]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: In what ways do you struggle to see yourself as God’s masterpiece? How might believing this truth change the way you listen for His voice today?


Day 3: Position Yourself to Hear from God
Hearing God’s voice often requires intentionally creating space in your life to listen. This means prioritizing time in God’s Word, seeking Him in worship, and eliminating distractions that keep you from focusing on Him. God can speak at any time, but when you give Him your undivided attention—whether alone in prayer or gathered with others in worship—you open yourself to hear Him more clearly. Make it a habit to return to the places and practices where you have heard from God before, trusting that He will meet you there again. [21:49]

Psalm 27:7-8 (ESV)
"Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, 'Seek my face.' My heart says to you, 'Your face, Lord, do I seek.'"

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to eliminate distractions and intentionally position yourself to hear from God?


Day 4: Process and Obey What You Hear
When you sense God speaking, take time to process what you’ve heard through Scripture, wise counsel, and prayer. God’s voice will never contradict His Word, and He often confirms His guidance through the peace He gives and the affirmation of trusted spiritual mentors. Once you are confident that you have heard from God, move forward in obedience, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. God honors your willingness to follow His leading, and He will guide you along the right paths for His glory and your good. [26:09]

Psalm 23:3 (ESV)
"He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

Reflection: Is there something you sense God has been saying to you that you have hesitated to act on? What would it look like to take a step of obedience today?


Day 5: Pursue God as He Pursues You
God’s love for you is relentless—He pursues you all the days of your life, inviting you into deeper relationship and greater purpose. The best response to His pursuit is to seek Him wholeheartedly, never stopping in your desire to know Him more. As you pursue God, you will find that He speaks, leads, and transforms you, guiding you into the abundant life He has prepared for you. Let your pursuit of God be marked by worship, surrender, and a willingness to follow wherever He leads. [31:28]

Psalm 23:6 (ESV)
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Reflection: How can you intentionally pursue God today, knowing that He is already pursuing you with His goodness and love?

Quotes

If God spoke in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, why wouldn't he speak today? If he did in the Old Testament and the New Testament, why wouldn't he speak today? You see, God can and does speak in ways that become undeniable for the person who hears him. [00:12:17] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip

You might be reading a passage from the Bible. You see, the Bible, it's alive and well. It's a living word that you're reading it, and there's a portion of that that jumps out at you. And there's something deep that resonates with inside you in your spirit, and you know God is using his word right now to speak to me. [00:13:26] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip

Hearing and discerning God's voice, it's a little bit like playing a musical instrument. As many of you know, I love music. I love playing guitar. I wish I was better at it than I am, but I love playing guitar. I think back to when I first started learning guitar, man, I was making a joyful noise and not much else. All right? When you're learning a new instrument, whether it's violin or guitar or piano, you're not going to be perfect at it. You're going to play some wrong notes. It's not going to feel maybe really natural. You're just figuring it out. But with some intentional practice, you get better. And as you get better, your confidence grows. And all along the way, your ears are being trained at what sounds good and what doesn't. Listening for, hearing, and discerning God's voice, it's very similar. It takes practice. [00:16:02] (00:00:57 seconds) Edit Clip

Your ability to hear the voice of the good shepherd grows and develops. Ephesians 2 .10 says, For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. If you are someone who doubts that God would want to speak to you, read the start of that verse again. For we are, say it with me, God's masterpiece. That's how much God values you. [00:17:11] (00:00:30 seconds) Edit Clip

Prioritize moments where you intentionally eliminate distractions. God, he can get your attention at any time, no matter how busy, no matter how stressful life is. But how many of you know that when he has your undivided attention, he's more likely to speak? Because he knows you have a, you're in position to want to hear from him. And you can never give God your undivided attention when you're living in a constant state of distraction. [00:21:31] (00:00:32 seconds) Edit Clip

Once you've heard God speak and you're confident it was God, don't let anything stand in your way of obeying him. Choose the call of God, whatever he's spoken to you, choose that over your personal comfort. Choose the call of God over staying in your comfort zone, and the rhythm and the habits that maybe you're in. Rejoice that the God of the universe, the God of all creation has spoken to you. He loves you enough that he would speak directly to you. Let your response then be obedience and proceeding with confidence. [00:25:55] (00:00:38 seconds) Edit Clip

If you want to hear God's voice, pursue God and never stop pursuing Him. Pursue God and never stop pursuing Him. Why? Because He is mad, wild, just crazy in love with you. And His Word tells us that all the days of our lives, He's pursuing us. [00:30:57] (00:00:24 seconds) Edit Clip