How Does God Communicate?

A Quick Guide to Hearing God’s Voice in Everyday Life

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27

 

1. Scripture

God speaks through the Bible—His written Word.

■ “Your word is a lamp to my feet…” – Psalm 119:105

Listen: What verse is God bringing to your attention today?

 

2. The Life of Jesus

Jesus is the clearest picture of God’s character and love.

■ “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” – John 14:9

Listen: What might God be showing you today through the life of Jesus? What choice can you make today that reflects how Jesus lived?

 

3. Nature and Creation

God’s beauty and creativity are revealed in the world around us.

■ “The heavens declare the glory of God…” – Psalm 19:1

Listen: What might God be saying to you through nature today?

 

4. Worship

God speaks to our hearts as we praise, pray, and listen to the message.

■ “The Lord inhabits the praises of His people.” – Psalm 22:3

Listen: What is God saying to you while you worship?

 

5. Impressions and Nudges

A quiet sense or sudden idea that aligns with God’s will.

■ “The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go to that chariot…’” – Acts 8:29

Listen: What is the Spirit nudging you toward today?

 

6. Emotions and feelings

God can speak through what we feel—joy, sadness, peace, or conviction.

■ “My tears have been my food day and night…These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. – Psalm 42:3,4

Listen: What are your feelings telling you to talk to God about today?

 

7. Conscience

That inner sense of right and wrong—God’s Spirit nudging you.

■ “Their consciences also bearing witness…” – Romans 2:15

Listen: What’s your conscience telling you?

 

8. People

God often speaks through trusted voices—friends, mentors, even strangers.

■ “Plans fail for lack of counsel…” – Proverbs 15:22

Listen: Who might God be using to speak into your life? Who do you need to pray with today?

 

9. Circumstances

Open and closed doors may guide your path.

■ “And we know that in all things God works…” – Romans 8:28

Listen: What might God be saying through this situation?

 

10. Dreams and Visions

God sometimes uses dreams, especially when our hearts are open.

■ “Your old men will dream dreams…” – Joel 2:28

Listen: Have you had a dream that felt spiritual?

 

11. Silence

In the Bible, God’s silence often invited people to wait, trust, or grow. It can draw us closer, helping us listen more carefully or prepare for what He’ll say next.

■ “My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning…” – Psalm 130:6

Listen: What might God be doing in the silence? 

 

12. History and Testimony

Looking back shows how God has been faithful all along.

■ “Remember the wonders he has done…” – Psalm 105:5

Listen: What stories from your past reveal God’s voice? What patterns emerge that God might be using to communicate to you? 

 

13. Symbols

God uses symbols to help us understand deeper spiritual truths.

■ “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’”

Listen: What might God be saying to you through a symbol today? What picture or object reminds you of Him?