“He will take of Mine and declare it to you.” John 16:14
God will communicate with us through an inside leading or an inside knowing, and sometimes God will speak to us through an inside voice. Similar to the leading and the knowing, the voice is known in our heart; however, the inward voice gives specific words from God. In our spirit, words are suddenly known, a distinct message that has a clear beginning and end.
I remember one afternoon when my husband, Jerry, left to run an errand and told me the time he would be back. Time went by, so I figured he was running late. More time went by, and I began to grow concerned about him. I checked my heart and asked the Lord if everything was okay with him. There was a voice in my heart that said, “He’s with a friend.” Sure enough, Jerry had stopped by to see Gary, a friend of ours.
I didn’t hear the words with my natural ears, instead I “knew” the words in my spirit, in the same way I “know” whether something is right or wrong, or I suddenly “know” something that God revealed to me. It’s with our heart that we usually “know” or “hear” messages from God.
Acts 13:2 says, “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” The Holy Spirit is the one who is revealing God’s messages to our hearts. He lives and works within our hearts.
We learn to recognize God’s communication with us as we become familiar with His presence. If we take the time to minister to Him, He will reveal Himself through the Holy Spirit. However, don’t just pursue hearing voices; there are some voices that may not be from God. They may be from your own imagination or from an evil spirit, so pursue God, not just supernatural manifestations. He will lead you and reveal Himself to you as you continue to surrender your life to Him.
Application: As we grow spiritually, we will see an increase in our sensitivity to spiritual matters. We will become more aware of the Holy Spirit and His working in our lives. Take time out of your life to be with God in prayer and meditation, scripture reading, and worship services. God wants you to know Him.