Learning to Hear His Voice

Pause & Reflect

Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Notice the final phrase: they follow Him. Listening to God is not primarily about collecting spiritual impressions. It is about becoming a disciple who recognises the Shepherd and follows His ways. God has given us Scripture as the authoritative revelation by which every claimed guidance must be tested. The Holy Spirit will not lead us contrary to the Word He inspired. As you become familiar with Scripture, you become increasingly familiar with God's character, priorities and wisdom. So when seeking direction, begin with what God has already spoken. Read His Word. Pray. Seek wisdom. Listen carefully. Test impressions rather than automatically labelling them God's voice. And when Scripture clearly tells you how to live, don't keep asking God for another answer because the first one is inconvenient. The Shepherd's voice leads His sheep toward the Shepherd's ways.