Chapter 6: Hearing and Recognizing God’s Voice

Obedience begins with listening. Learning to hear God’s voice brings clarity, direction, protection, and peace. As believers, it is essential that we discern His voice amid the noise of life and act on what He reveals.

We praise God for His goodness! We thank Him for blessing us with the gift of life and another opportunity to serve, see, hear, and speak. We never want to take the simple things for granted. Lord, we honor You today. It is a privilege to serve You.

Let’s pray: Father, forgive us of our sins. As I minister to Your people, let the words You’ve given me be edifying and uplifting. Bless those who hear, and let their hearts receive. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God often speaks to us gently through conviction or directly by prompting us to act. Many believers have experienced the Holy Spirit saying, “Don’t go that way,” or “Wait here,” only to later realize He was guiding them out of danger.

Think of the testimonies from 9/11—individuals who felt led not to go to work, or children begging their parents to stay home. The Holy Spirit protects and leads us daily. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27, NKJV). Obedience to the Holy Spirit brings undeniable blessings.

God Reveals Himself Through Revelation

Revelation is when God shows us something we didn’t previously know or see. In Scripture, even Balaam’s donkey was used to reveal God’s will (Numbers 22:21–33). As we read God’s Word, we begin to see how He operates and speaks.

God speaks through various channels: the Bible, prayer, fellow believers, inner peace, and even impressions on our hearts. When we slow down and make time to listen, we become confident in recognizing His voice.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23, NKJV). But to follow His steps, we must first hear Him. That means quieting ourselves, meditating, and making space to receive His direction.

Learning to Hear God’s Voice

Hearing God is like tuning a radio. Once you find the right frequency, you stay there. Don’t turn the dial. Stay connected to what placed you in that posture of clarity with God.

For some, hearing God’s voice is new. His presence might feel like peace, love, or even a powerful stillness. In Acts 2, people were so overcome by the Holy Spirit they were perceived as being drunk. His presence can be overwhelming.

Throughout the Bible, God used prophets and prophetesses to speak to His people. Jonah’s story reminds us that disobedience can have consequences not just for us, but for others (Jonah 1:1–17). Jonah didn’t want the people of Nineveh to repent, but God’s will was for their salvation.

There is power and purpose in obedience.

Confirming the Word You Receive

When someone speaks a word over your life, test it. Line it up with Scripture and seek godly counsel. Pray over it. If it’s truly from God, it will agree with His Word and bring peace to your spirit.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1, ESV).

God won’t contradict Himself. That’s why reading the Bible is critical—it helps you discern between God’s voice and your own thoughts. We must be careful of false prophets and stay grounded in truth.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). God has a purpose for your life. When you know His Word and hear His voice, you walk confidently in that purpose.

Obedience Requires Prayer and Patience

When God gives you a word, don’t rush. Pray it through. Let that seed take root. God’s Word comes with the power to fulfill it. Just as seeds have DNA to produce fruit, God’s Word carries divine purpose.

Ask yourself: Is this from God or is this me? If it’s from God, it will align with His Word and bear fruit. Seek counsel and remain in prayer. God confirms His guidance through peace and His Word.

The more time you spend with Him, the more your desires align with His. You can’t submit to God unless you’ve first heard what He’s saying. As James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

A Testimony from the Daily Word Family

Charlie, a faithful reader, shared this reflection:

“Pastor, I find it rewarding to stay in constant communication with God. He’s spoken to me even while mowing my lawn! I believe we fail to hear His voice because we’re not actively listening. When we constantly listen, we remain aligned with His will. True submission is seen when obedience is difficult. It’s a lifestyle, not a moment. When we live in submission, His voice becomes clearer, and our authority over the enemy grows. That’s when real fellowship begins—with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Thank you, Charlie, for that word of encouragement. And to all who are reading—know that God desires to speak to you, to guide you, and to bless you as you walk in obedience.

Conclusion

When we tune our hearts to hear God’s voice and respond in obedience, we unlock peace, purpose, and protection that can only come from Him.

Key Takeaways

• Obedience starts with listening. You must recognize and respond to God’s voice.

• God speaks in many ways. Through His Word, prayer, impressions, peace, and others.

• Test every word. Align what you hear with Scripture and godly counsel.

• Make time to hear. Quiet time with God tunes your heart to His frequency.

• Submission is daily. It is proven most when obedience is difficult.

• Obedience brings blessing. God’s voice leads to peace, protection, and purpose.

From The Daily Word with Pastor KBN: The Benefits Of Obedience (Part 6), Mar 24, 2025
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-word-with-pastor-kbn/id1800872165?i=1000700546292&r=692
This material may be protected by copyright.