How Do We Hear God?

My youngest  and I had an interesting conversation the other night while putting him to bed. He asked me if it would be OK to take two stuffed animals to class instead of just one while learning about how God created the animals, so I told him to pray about it and see what God says. He then asked me the question we all would love the exact answer for: How do I hear God and know what He's saying?

I told him that the first, and best way, is by seeing if it is in the Bible. Many of our questions can be answered if we search throughout the entire Bible with a thorough concordance, a detailed topical reference, and decent cross referencing. (Don't worry- I just told my six year old to look all through the Bible. I'll save the rest of that for when he's 12...)

However, there are many other things that are not specifically mentioned in there. Which coffee shop should I go to today? Which of my friends needs encouraging most? Should I help with the children's choir or participate in adult choir?  Which Beth Moore study should I do next....? Some things have to be discerned, and that concept can be intimidating. If it isn't, remember: You are made of sinful flesh and must stand before the Righteous and  Holy God. A little fear and trembling is good for the soul.

So how do we discern? First, go back to the best way: You must be in the Word. Even if the answer is not there, Jesus - the Word made flesh (John 1:14), must be fresh in our hearts and mind. You also must develop your line of communication with Him. That means prayer. Not the wish-list, vending machine with happy pills, kinds of prayer, but honest talking and listening. The more you listen, the better you get at hearing. Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray constantly." It is possible, but it takes practice and discipline.

Now comes the hardest thing of all: Just have faith and step out. If you are in the Word and listening to God with the best of your ability, trust Him that He won't let you go astray. Because He won't. Give Him permission to do whatever it takes to stop you from straying from His will, and be honest with Him when your confused. He already knows.

If you've done all the above and still haven't felt that "special feeling", just trust Him! Because most of the time we won't. Oh, we will have a peace, but don't expect the goose-bumpy stuff as the only affirmation. Remember, "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) So let's act like we truly believe that.

So did God tell my son he could bring two stuffed animals? There wasn't a yes or a no...

There was a fever.