The God Who Speaks

In contrast to the dramatic moments when God speaks through visions or miraculous signs, he often chooses to communicate with a still, small voice; a quiet, inner prompting or impression. This gentle whisper requires us to slow down, quieten our minds, and learn to discern his voice.

Elijah experienced this first-hand after fleeing into the wilderness - God met him not in displays of power, but rather in intimate quietness:

“And he said, ‘Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.’ And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.”
(1 Kings 19:11–12)

This “low whisper” can feel like a deep conviction, a gentle nudge, or a quiet sense of direction. Jesus affirmed that his followers can learn to recognise his voice:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
(John 10:27)

The prophet Isaiah described this inner guidance:

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”
(Isaiah 30:21)

Many followers of Jesus have experienced this when a thought comes repeatedly to mind - perhaps a prompting to call a friend, pray for a specific situation, or take a step of faith. This still, small voice will never contradict what the Bible says, nor will it condemn, pressure or manipulate.

Learning to recognise this voice requires time and practice. We must be willing to set aside distractions, tune our hearts to God, and test what we sense against his word.

Reflection:
Have you ever felt a gentle prompting or sense that God was speaking to you? Consider finding time and space to spend 5 minutes a day in silence and solitude with Jesus to become more familiar with his quiet voice.