Learning to Listen: Hearing the Voice of God

We talk to God. We pray. But do we listen?

Many of us have learned how to bring our needs to God - but not how to recognize when He is trying to lead us. We want answers, direction, clarity - but the question is: have we trained ourselves to hear His voice?

We are used to relying on ourselves. The world teaches us to rely on logic and reason. And yes, God gave us minds to think, plan, and choose. But when it comes to the big stuff - the decisions that shape our lives - He invites us to trust Him with all our heart. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5)

God sees what we don’t. He knows what lies ahead. And yet, how often do we find ourselves trying to figure it all out on our own?

Here’s the truth: God rarely reveals the full picture all at once. He shows us the next step. And if we don’t take that step, the rest doesn’t follow. Waiting for complete clarity before we obey often leads to staying stuck.

Sometimes the issue isn’t that God is silent - it’s that we already sense what He is saying, and we are just not ready to hear it. We hesitate, delay, or second-guess, hoping for a different answer when deep down, we already know what He’s asked of us. But the real trust says: “Even if it costs me comfort or control, even if I don’t understand it all, I will follow You.”

It’s easier to overthink than to surrender. We replay the problem in our minds. We stress, spiral, and try to solve it our way. But peace doesn’t come from control.

Scripture tells us to bring everything to God in prayer. We can worry about the situation - or we can talk to the One who sees it all. What if we paused more often and simply asked: “God, is this the right path?” “Should I move forward or wait?” “Am I forcing something that’s not from You?”

God is not far away. His Spirit lives in us. He doesn’t just walk beside us - He lives within. And while His voice may not always be loud, it is always present.

Jesus said: “My peace I leave with you… do not let your hearts be troubled.” (John 14:27) Even when life is hard, we can have peace when we know we are on the path He set for us - a peace that surpasses understanding. The path won’t always be easy. There will be valleys, fire, floods, storms, and delays. But if God is leading us through them, they won’t destroy us. They will shape us.

God is simply asking: Will you trust Me first? Will you listen?

Maybe today is the moment to stop asking God to bless your plans - and start asking Him what the plan is.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6)