What Does God’s Voice Sound Like?

I don’t believe I have ever met a Christ follower that hasn’t desired to hear God’s voice. Like a text message sent from heaven, it would be wonderful and easy if God spoke the same way, with clarity, every time we needed answers in our life. 

When it comes to hearing God, the Bible says: 

• “My sheep hear my voice” (John 10:27).
• “Faith comes through hearing” (Romans 10:17).
• “Call to me, and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” (Jeremiah 33:3).

We read clearly in the Bible that God speaks to His people, and expects them to hear Him. He is not a silent God or a God that expects people to seemingly guess at His will. Yet, the struggle to “hear God” is something we encounter often in our Christian circles. Therefore, we ask: How do we hear God, and what does His voice sound like?

Does God speak in a certain way or sound?

The Bible is full of examples of God speaking, and if the examples tell us anything, it is that God has no limit to the ways He talks to His people.  

• He spoke to Samuel in a human voice; one that sounded normal, like the old man sleeping in the next room over. (1 Samuel 3)
• He spoke to Elijah through a whisper; not through an earthquake or fire, but rather through a still small voice. (1 Kings 19)
• He spoke to Joseph, Solomon, Peter, John, and others through dreams and visions. (Genesis 37, 1 Kings 3, Acts 2, Revelation 1)
• He spoke to Moses and Gideon through supernatural manifestations; a burning bush and a wet fleece. (Exodus 3 and Judges 6)
• He spoke to Jonah through unique and trying circumstances—the belly of a whale. (Jonah 1-4)
• He even spoke to Balaam through the voice of a talking donkey! (Numbers 22)

So, what does God’s voice sound like? The Bible shows us that God can speak to His people through just about anything and in about every way possible. 

How do I hear God’s voice?

Hearing God isn’t always easy. But if we learn anything from the story of Samuel (it took 3 times before Eli and Samuel realized it was God), we understand that God doesn’t give up. He keeps speaking. The Bible offers us several answers to this question: How do I hear God’s voice?

• Be Still: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). There is something amazing that can happen when we are still before God. 
• Be Softened: “Whoever has ears, let them hear” (Matthew 11:15). It’s easy for our hearts to get hard. Pride, selfishness, busyness…sin can creep in and harden us to God’s voice. It was possible for many in the New Testament to have Jesus physically there and yet not “hear” him. Soften your heart that you might have ears to hear. 
• Be Intentional: Pursue after God and His word. Proverbs 2:1-5 says, “Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding… if you seek it like silver… then you will understand the fear of the Lord and the knowledge of God.” God wants a relationship with you. The more you seek Him, the more you will get to know Him, recognize Him, and know His voice. 
• Be in Community: Often God speaks to us through others. Hebrews 3:13 talks about how we are to “encourage one another daily.” God spoke to Moses and gave him direction through the guidance of Jethro (Exodus 18). Maybe God will speak to you through a Godly colleague or friend. 

Is it God’s voice or my voice?

God speaks in many ways, and He speaks often. But there are lots of voices trying to speak to us all the time. So how do you know if you’re hearing God’s voice? Four thoughts:

• Seek advice from other wise Christians. Allow other trusted believers to help you discern what you are hearing.
• Search the Scriptures. Does what you are hearing align with God’s word? “All Scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
• Use common sense. Of course, not everything God calls us to will make sense to us. However, sometimes Christians do unwise things for selfish reasons and call it “God” in order to look holy or faithful. 
• Pray and pray again. Ask God to confirm, renew, excite, and give peace towards what He is speaking.

Faith comes through hearing

As leaders, God wants you and those you lead to know Him. He wants you to hear what He’s saying so that you can live according to the perfect plan He has for your life. Start from the presumption that He loves you and wants to communicate with you. Thank Him for choosing to make Himself known to you. Invite Him to remove distractions and teach you how to recognize His voice. And then wait patiently for Him to speak. ^[1] May you be filled with hope, confidence, and faith as you hear God’s voice and live for His glory. 

[1] https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/how-do-i-hear-gods-voice.html

https://www.faithward.org/listening-prayer-hear-god/

https://prayercourse.org/session/listening/