Hearing God's Voice (Selah Part 7)
A Conversation Over a Meal
There is something special about a shared meal. It slows us down, draws us into relationship, and makes space for deep, honest connection. The best conversations often happen when plates are pushed aside and time seems to stand still. So it’s no wonder that one of the clearest images Jesus gives us of His desire for relationship is a meal:
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
—Revelation 3:20 (ESV)
God is not distant. He is present and near, knocking at the door of our lives, wanting to speak with us—not to lecture, not to scold, but to share a meal and a conversation.
The question is not whether God speaks, but whether we are listening.
Does God Speak?
From beginning to end, Scripture affirms that God speaks. He speaks through creation, through prophets, through the life of Jesus, and through the Holy Spirit. He speaks to individuals and communities, calling us to draw near and listen. And He’s still speaking today—patiently, persistently, personally.
When Jesus addressed the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3, He was speaking to a people who had turned away from Him. Yet even in their complacency and distance, Jesus was still knocking. He was still calling them into a conversation. This is the posture of God toward us: persistent love and patient invitation.
How Does God Speak?
God speaks in many ways, but here are a few primary ones:
1. Through Jesus
Jesus is the living Word of God (John 1:1). His life, His words, and His actions are God’s voice in human form. When we want to know how God speaks, we look to Jesus. Reading through the Gospels—especially Mark for a fast-paced overview or Luke and Acts as a two-part series—immerses us in the voice and heart of God.
2. Through Scripture
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
—Matthew 4:4 (ESV)
Scripture is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12), and the more we saturate ourselves in it, the more we tune into the frequency of God's voice. If the Bible feels dry or intimidating, try a different format—consider a narrative-style Bible, a different translation, or an audio version. Listening to Scripture read aloud or sung can reawaken its beauty.
3. Through Other Believers
God often speaks through the people around us. 1 Corinthians 12 explains that spiritual gifts—like prophecy, wisdom, and knowledge—are given “for the common good.” When we share what we sense from God, and receive encouragement or confirmation from others, we often find clarity. These conversations can be the very words we need to hear.
4. Through His Spirit in Us
Sometimes God’s voice comes as a quiet nudge, a phrase impressed on our hearts, or a thought we can’t shake. He may speak through dreams, visions, or that still, small voice that Elijah heard (1 Kings 19:12). These moments are deeply personal, but must always align with Scripture and God's character.
Creating Space to Hear
Hearing God’s voice requires intentional space and stillness. Jesus Himself often withdrew early in the morning to pray (Mark 1:35). David cried out to God in the morning (Psalm 5:1-3), and Daniel prayed regularly throughout his day (Daniel 6:10). These rhythms weren’t religious duties—they were invitations into daily relationship.
Consider creating space in your own life by:
Setting aside time in the morning or another quiet moment of your day.
Turning off distractions—including your phone—for a short window of stillness.
Speaking to God aloud, as if you were talking with a friend.
Writing your prayers and impressions in a journal.
Asking open-ended questions: “God, what do you want me to know?” or “What do you think about this situation?”
And then, listen.
A Meal With Jesus
After His resurrection, Jesus met His disciples on the shore, cooked them breakfast, and restored Peter through conversation (John 21). Peter had denied Him three times—but Jesus pursued reconciliation, over a meal.
This is the God who speaks: not a distant judge, but a loving Savior who draws close, invites us to eat, and speaks life into our weariness, direction into our confusion, and grace into our shame.
God is still knocking. He’s still speaking. And He still wants to have a meal with us.
Reflection Questions
How have you experienced God speaking in your life—through Scripture, others, or inward impressions?
What’s one practical step you could take this week to make space to hear God's voice more clearly?
When you think of sitting down with Jesus over a meal, what would you want to ask Him—and what do you think He might say?
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
—James 4:8 (ESV)
May we be people who open the door, sit at the table, and listen for the voice that brings life.