Of all the voices we hear in a day, none is more critical to how we live our lives than the voice of Jesus! Throughout history, there have been many great orators and countless inspiring speeches, but none can compare to the words of Jesus. No one ever spoke as He did.
His words are perfect, infallible and unfailing, always truthful and trustworthy. He never spoke a false syllable or struck a wrong note. The wisdom of God is concentrated in every sentence.
His words are powerful. His voice caused demons to flee and storms to evaporate.
1. Prayer allows us to experience God’s peace, comfort, wisdom, and understanding.
2. Biblical instruction motivates us to maintain a godly perspective.
3. Scripture keeps us from sin, guides our steps, and draws us closer to the Lord.
His words are practical. He spoke the language of everyday people and told simple stories. By listening to Him, we learn how to live rich, full, and blessed lives.
His words are peaceful. He spoke the words, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you.” This is more than just a saying. It is a spiritual truth—a promise from our Lord and Savior.
Hearing the voice of Jesus is the greatest listening we will ever do, yet we often struggle to discern His voice. How can we recognize Jesus’s voice better?
Prayer
Psalm 145:18, NKJV
Prayer is a great privilege, blessing, and opportunity God has provided His children. As we commune with God, He brings peace and comfort and gives wisdom and understanding. As we pray, the Lord reveals Himself to us in new ways.
Many Christians struggle to pray. In a society that teaches us to be thoroughly independent and self-reliant, prayer doesn’t seem to fit. But prayer isn’t only for requests; it allows us to learn from the Father. If you have struggled to pray in the past, don’t languish in guilt. You are not alone. Instead, be encouraged! Take the time now to put those thoughts of self-sufficiency aside and learn to talk to Jesus in prayer.
Matthew 7:7-8 teaches us how to pray and what to expect in return. It says, “Ask... seek... knock.” According to verse 8, the Lord promises to answer when we ask. The answer may not be what we wanted, but He will respond in the way that is best.
As you come “boldly to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16), remember your prayers should be:
- Personal. Take some time each day where you can quietly pray alone. Come to the Father in Jesus’ name, speaking and listening to His voice through the Holy Spirit. Express your praise and adoration to the Father, and thank Him for His provision.
- Specific. After praising God for His daily provision, name any needs you have. The Lord knows your needs, so don’t be afraid to ask. Pray with expectation, knowing God wants to answer you.
- Persistent. Don’t give up! God longs to hear from His children. He honors our persistence.
Instruction
Proverbs 8:33, NKJV
When we desire to hear the voice of the Lord and want to have His leading in our lives, we need to make biblical instruction a priority.
First, find a solid, Bible-teaching church.
Be faithful to attend church regularly, and take notes on the teaching each week. Throughout the next day or week, reflect upon the message. If you recognize areas in your life that need to be adjusted, make getting it right a priority.
You can also receive excellent instruction through devotional materials and biblically based books and resources. Take the opportunity to listen to sermons or books while driving, working, getting ready for the day, etc.
As we study to know more about God and His Word, we gain wisdom and a deeper understanding of His life-transforming power. Biblical instruction encourages, motivates, and helps us maintain a godly attitude amid the trying circumstances in life.
Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16-17, NKJV
Nothing can so greatly enrich and influence us in our daily life as a knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. How can we be followers of Christ if we do not know and study God’s Word regularly?
To know God and discern His voice over the noise of this world, it is vital to study the Word on a consistent basis. As you do, it will become a part of how you think and act. As we hide God’s Word in our hearts, it keeps us from sin, guides our steps, and draws us closer to the One who inspired each and every word of the Book.
James 1:19-21 gives us three practical ways to exhibit the “firstfruits” as followers of Christ. We are to:
- Concentrate our attention and control our tongues, “Be swift to hear, slow to speak.”
- Contain our anger, “[be] slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
- Cleanse our lives of sin, “Lay aside all filthiness and... wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
God’s Word has the power to change lives. It is filled with wisdom. As we read it, receive it, and live it, we discern God’s perfect will for our lives. Scripture contains everything we need to live victorious Christian lives. Pick up your Bible and begin reading it today!
Prayer, instruction, and Scripture are the three solutions to hear the voice of Jesus. When we add these elements into our lives, we will:
- Build a strong connection with Jesus, our Lord and Savior
- Learn to love others the way God loves us
- Serve the Lord with all our heart
- Develop a mighty, mountain-moving faith
- Rest assured of God’s promises
- Be encouraged to stay faithful
- Find new, lasting hope in hard times and trials
- Be challenged to grow, convicted of sin, and ready to change
- Hear the voice of Jesus!
May you hear the voice of Jesus more each day as you continue your study of His life and work, drawing near to Him through prayer, instruction, and Scripture.