Our ability to hear and engage with God's voice is foundational to living a life of emotional wholeness. This is because something life-changing occurs when we learn that the God of the universe desires to speak directly to us to bring healing and transformation to our hearts. Hearing God's voice has a unique quality that brings freedom and breakthrough on a level equal to none other in the world! Furthermore, as we hear His voice daily, it empowers us with a "memory stone," or place of positive emotional attachment that will reassure and affirm our inner value whenever difficult times arise.
Regarding our ability to hear and follow God, Jesus said, "I no longer call you slaves because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends since I have told you everything the Father has told me." (John 15:15 NLT) Our friendship and communication with God is how we grow and mature in Him. Additionally, as we communicate with Him, we learn what His voice sounds like and experience deeper peace within our hearts. A beautiful truth is before us, in that the ability to hear God's voice is not only for a select few "special Christians," but it is for everyone willing and available to receive.
How Does God Speak?
Emotional Wholeness first begins with our understanding of how God speaks to us. We are often all too aware of the person who always "hears from God" and must share each impression or word they receive. But, usually, due to the invalid nature of their experience, we will cast aside how God may speak to us for fear of becoming overly spiritual or presenting as "underdeveloped" in our walk with the Lord.
I have found that there are three significant ways God speaks to His sons and daughters—I'll share them below:
His Written Word. Concerning this, Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." God's written Word is our guide and anchor as we engage with Him to process and experience spiritual and emotional wholeness.
Thoughts and Impressions. A spiritual thought or impression that comes to our minds is often the subtle measure of God's direction to us. Often, they come in moments we least expect, as His heart is always interested in our lives, even in moments we may not be fully aware of Him in our world.
Pictures and Images. Scripture gives many examples of God speaking to His children in this way. Some images or pictures were given amid a dream, while others came through a vision. (see Matthew 1:20; Daniel 2:18-19; Acts 10:9-10) When encouraging people to engage and interact with God through prayer, I will often say, "God speaks to us on the 'screen of our imagination,' and it is our responsibility to listen, remain attentive, and measure His communication with the guidance of Scripture and the instruction of the Holy Spirit."
Throughout my life, I have experienced the blessing of hearing God's voice speak to me in each of these ways, and I believe you can, too! I have so many testimonies of the healing power of God to bring spiritual and emotional wholeness to countless people due to their willingness to hear from and engage with God.
Would you take a moment to pray with me, asking God to increase your ability to hear His voice and experience His heart for you?
Let's Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me Your Friend. I believe You desire to invite me into deeper spiritual and emotional wholeness in my daily life. Therefore, I pray the eyes and ears of my heart will be open to hear from You and obey every word You say. I embrace Your truth that You desire to speak to me because You love me so much. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.