Three Ways to Hear God more Clearly

Let's face it. Our Spiritual life, like anything else has to be nurtured. In otherwards, our relationships in our personal life, work life and in our life in general, "work" must be put forth. To keep those relationships to continue to be strengthened, it requires effort in communication and submission, otherwise, something will have to give. Before long, one person or both might drift so far apart that the relationship will be no more. Thank goodness we serve a God that will never leave us nor forsake us! But, if we don't nurture our communion with him, and be still long enough to hear His voice and submit to His word to hear what it is He's trying to tell us, well...we start drifting from Him and can no longer feel His presence nor hear the Holy Spirit, for it gets quenched in our rebellion and then grows silent. There are three ways to avoid this and to make sure we nurture and stay in communion with the most important relationship of our life. The kind of relationship we have with God is a foreshadow on our relationships overall.

1. Make Time for You and God.

   Listen, I know, we've been told that the best time to hear from the Lord is early morning. Which is wonderful if you can do that. But, some of us although our intentions are to wake up at 5 a.m. to have prayer and communion time with God might happen for a week straight. Then before long, its two days a week, then none. We have so much going on in our lives that getting that extra one hour sleep is a must. Please don't get me wrong, rising early morning is a game changer in all levels. However, sometimes, it's easier said than done. My point is, don't get caught up in the time. What's important and purposeful is that you choose a time throughout your day that you can authentically be still long enough to yield to the Holy Spirit whether it be through prayer or diving in the WORD. This might look different for everyone. For some, it might be, as they're waiting at the Starbucks drive through. I don't know how many times I've found myself in prayer and having a deep conversation with the LORD at a drive through line. For others, it might be while your waiting at the school pickup line. This is a perfect time to have a quiet prayer or listen to a sermon. Whatever it might look like or the time of day it is, that's besides the point. Thing is, your nurturing that relationship between you and God. You're staying in communication everyday. You're making an effort. You're putting your faith to work. Because of this communion, you'll be able to hear God more clearly.

2. Fellowship

   Surround yourself with like minded people. People you can fellowship in the Lord and for spiritual growth. The Lord uses people to speak through them to us. If it's a word for edification, and it aligns with the word of God, then we should listen to hear what the Lord is saying through that person. Fellowship also gives us the opportunity to share each others testimony of what God has done in our lives. This brings about hope and encouragement for the battles we might be facing. There have been many times through fellowship that I've heard and understood God's word more clearly by it being explained by someone sharing His Word through fellowship.

3. Time of Solitude

   This time is different from taking some time for prayer at the drive-thru line or waking up at 5:00 a.m. This is time you actually set aside to REALLY be still in the LORD. I'm talking going out for a solo hike, or taking a long drive or even setting a weekend getaway where it's just you and God. Now, I realize not everyone can just pickup and go. But, if you have a closet, that might be a good place to start to get away for an hour our two and just be "still" in the Lord. What does that mean? It means, you don't have to say a word. You are literally quiet; taking in the solitude and His peace. Let me tell you, this conversation, is the most fulfilling of all, when you just soak in His presence. You will hear Him more clearer than ever before!