How Do We Hear God’s Voice?

Anna said that she heard God whisper to her, “But I still love you.”

So, what did she hear? Was it an audible voice? Or was it a thought in her mind? I doubt it was an audible voice, although I would never rule out the possibility of God speaking out loud to you and me. But God doesn’t usually speak to us over an invisible loudspeaker. Perhaps you’re thinking that it would be easier if he did. Then again, that would more than likely freak me out.

What Anna meant when she said God whispered to her is that the phrase “But I still love you” came into her mind as if he were speaking those words to her. I know what she means because I have had something similar happen to me. 

The question that follows is, how did Anna know it was God speaking to her and not just a figment of her imagination or her own emotions and thoughts?

Anna didn’t expect to hear from God at that moment as she watched the documentary, but it is clear that Anna knew and recognized God’s voice. Somewhere along the way in her life, Anna had listened to God. And, like any other voice she can distinguish, God’s voice had a familiar quality to it. But Anna also recognized the words as God’s. She was acquainted with what he says. And this knowledge came from the words of the Bible, which we are told are God-breathed.

The Bible tells us that God loves us. Here are just a few of God’s words: “I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!”  “Since you are precious and special in my sight, and I love you, I will hand over people in place of you, nations in place of your life.” And the words of Jesus: “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.”

So, when the words “But I still love you” came into Anna’s head, she immediately knew where they came from.

“And, like any other voice she can distinguish, God’s voice had a familiar quality to it.”

Photo by Janelle Pol