How I Hear God — and How You Can, Too!
I believe God wants to be in constant conversation with us—and that He still speaks. I think we are all wired, to some degree, to be able to hear His voice.
I have heard people from all walks of life talk about three main ways He speaks to them — visually, audibly, and through feelings and impressions.
For me, it is mostly feeling. If you walk close to a fireplace, or leave the door to your freezer open too long, there’s no mistaking it. The feelings of hot or cold are clear. When I get an impression from God, it is the same way. There is no mistaking it.
A few years ago, I was out on the hiking trail getting in my steps before work. I live in the Rocky Mountains, so hiking trails are abundant. This particular trail starts at a parking lot and cuts its way through a moraine — a large mountain meadow — before rising over 1000 feet to a mountain lake. My usual morning routine was walking only the flat part of the trail. The out-and-back hike was just long enough for me to reach my step count goal before work.
This particular morning, I could see dark clouds coming over the ridge, but I heard no thunder, so I pressed on along the trail. Sure enough, it started to rain.
It didn’t last long, only about 5 minutes. It was a gentle rain accompanied by a subtle breeze. With a burst, the sun came out just behind the clouds providing the rain. Then it happened — a stunning rainbow!
This beautiful arc of light lasted as long as the rain, but set against the backdrop of 12,000-foot snow-capped peaks, it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Again, it was early. I was the only person on this trail. The only person at this place at this time. In an instant, the rainbow was gone.
I am certain I am the only person who saw it that morning. It was like God created that moment for me and me alone — a gift. I was so thankful for the experience, and I could feel God’s presence there on the trail with me.
If you want to hear my most powerful (and recent) experience, check out When The Veil Got Thin.
When I am reading, it is common for words, sentences, or complete paragraphs to jump off the page to me. I rush to underline them. When a podcast host makes a comment or a pastor preaches on a passage, my insides often jump, “yes!” when God makes the connection.
Now, I want to turn the tables a bit. I want to hear from you. How does God speak to you? For some people, it is through singing, dancing, writing, attending Saturday night service, or taking communion.
So I’m asking—how do you hear God? Hit reply and share your story. I’d love to know.