How many times have you asked for a sign? Maybe you needed confirmation, guidance, or a much needed revelation about something going on in your life that you, on your own, didn’t have the answers to.
Asking for signs is powerful because it’s a way of acknowledging your limitations and deferring to the wonder and wisdom of God.
And that’s a good thing.
But isn’t it frustrating when you ask for a sign and it’s… crickets? No miraculous revelations or downloads or even a semblance that all is well or will somehow be resolved.
When we’re eager to hear from God but are instead are met with silence, it can be discouraging.
So, how does God speak to us in the first place and how can we be more in tune to hearing His voice?
Before we jump in, I want you to know two things:
1. God is always speaking to you
2. It’s entirely up to you whether you hear Him or not
There have been many times when I’ve asked for a sign and then received it through a conversation, scripture, song, or even a seemingly random message on a Panda fortune cookie.
Don’t judge me.
But here are six of the most common ways I’ve heard from God- Maybe these will help you to better recognize the nudges, confirmations, and answers that may already be showing up for you.
I’ll start with the obvious.
1. The Bible
The bible is the breathing, living, active word of God (Hebrews 4:12). I was once told that when you open your bible, God’s voice lifts off the pages and comes to life.
It doesn’t matter where you start or how much you read, when you open yourself to the word of God, you will begin to have spiritual breakthrough and divine wisdom.
If you have to start with a verse a day, do that. As you go deeper, you’ll expand in your understanding and you’ll desire more of God’s word.
I like to use the daily bible app to find good, short plans and daily scriptures. And it’s FREE!!!
Open your bible today and see what God is speaking to you- there is so much He wants to reveal.
2. Prayer
Prayer is my jam. It’s one of the simplest and most powerful ways to communicate with God. Through prayer, you can meditate on God’s word and remind Him of His promises. Not that He forgets His own word, but by declaring it back to Him, you are showing Him that you trust Him and you’re holding on to His promises. This matters more than you know.
When you pray, be specific in your requests. Get down to the nitty gritty y’all. Be persistent and bold; Hold nothing back. Then, make space for God to respond. Be still and invite Him in. Listen. Discern. Repeat. Prayer without stillness and listening can easily become a one-side conversation that leaves you spiritually busy but spiritually unclear.
Ask God to give you eyes to see, a heart to know, and wisdom and understanding that only comes from Him.
3. Other People
I can still remember the day I met a new-ish friend, more of an acquaintance really, for coffee and I was sharing with her all about my misery and desire to leave my teaching career. I told her how awful I felt each day, how I kept getting signs from books and devotionals, and yet I couldn’t make the leap.
After quietly listening to me pour my heart out, she asked me simply “Where’s the faith in that?”
That one question stopped me in my tracks.
“Yeah, where is my faith?” I asked myself.
I knew God didn’t want me in that state of dread and distress every day- How could He?
He’d been giving me sign after sign, but He clearly chose this person to be the closer.
After our coffee date, I was so ready to make my decision.
And then I got laid off. LOL.
The point is, God will use others to speak to you. Someone out there has your answer. Are you listening?
4. Books, Podcasts & Worship Music
Let me tell you about the Holy algorithm. When you’re tuned in to the frequency of Jesus, it knows exactly what you need to see, hear, and know.
But even though it lives in you, it’s up to you to access it.
Start with an invitation. Ask God to speak to you through these different channels. If He’s going to reveal anything, it has to start with an invitation. Holy Spirit activate.
For me, worship music has been one of the most soul-lifting ways I connect with Jesus and when I’m listening to songs, I lean in as much as possible and open myself to what God is speaking to me.
But I’ve also had many, many downloads and insights that have come from books and other media. There’s really not a place where God isn’t waiting for you. You just need to be alert and expectant.
5. The Holy Spirit
When Jesus was preparing to leave the earth, he told the disciples this: “But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate (Holy Spirit) won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.”
The Holy Spirit is not only here- He lives inside of you. It’s your instinct and intuition. It’s the voice of reason and conscience that rises to the surface.
Because it lives inside of us, we have free and unlimited access. If you ever wonder whether something is coming from the Holy Spirit, ask these questions:
- Is it something God would say or want for me?
- Does it align with the word of God?
- Is it based on fear or condemnation? (This is most definitely NOT from God)
- Does it glorify Jesus?
- Is it consistent with God’s character?
If you’re still not sure, seek the counsel of someone you trust and who has maturity and wisdom.
6. Repetition and Circumstances
Technically, these are two separate things but since I promised you 6 ways and not 7, we’re going to combine them. Let’s start with repetition.
You know those times when you hear or see something too many times for it to be a coincidences? That’s often confirmation for something; God tends to speak in patterns. It may be a scripture that keeps popping up, a repeated message, or a word that rings in your head. Repetition is one of the tactics God uses to get our attention. Are you listening?
Circumstances are another way God works to orchestrate timing and pathways to either guide or protect you. You know the saying “When one door closes, another one opens”? Whether it’s a closed door, open door, unexpected opportunity, or even a delay, don’t be so quick to move past it without considering its source.
God is clever and creative beyond our comprehension. He’ll do whatever He needs to get you where you’re supposed to be. Stay alert, open, and willing, and let God be the lamp to your feet.
If you find yourself hyper-focused on getting an answer for something, focus instead on getting in the presence of God and drawing near to Him.
That’s when your greatest clarity and revelation will come.
Nothing but love,
Barbara
If you’d like to listen to this blog, you can catch it every Tuesday on my podcast, Something to Bless.
Pursu Agency