This is a challenging question to answer. Throughout my life, I’ve desired to hear Him, and I can honestly say there have been times when His direction was crystal clear. Notice, I didn’t say His speaking was clear, but rather His direction. Do I know His voice? Yes, I believe I do. But often, I still want to make sure. I’ve been in ministry since 1980, and I’ve encountered enough people who claim to have a direct line to God to last me a lifetime.
For me to say, “The Holy Spirit told me,” or even “God told me,” is an extremely bold statement, one that seems to claim authority over everyone and everything else. I understand that God does speak directly to individuals, especially when He calls them to a specific purpose. However, I’m cautious when I’m around those who claim to hear from Him all the time. This isn’t meant as criticism—it’s just honesty. Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits,” and that’s what I look for in anyone I work with in ministry. Just like we recognize a peach tree by its fruit, I recognize a Christian’s fellowship with God by the fruit of their lives. A peach tree always produces peaches, and we know exactly what that looks like. In the same way, a Christian will always produce the fruit of the Spirit when they are in fellowship with God.
Is following the Holy Spirit, and hearing His voice, something I have to figure out? For me, the answer is no. When I speak with my wife, we both value clarity, and I believe the Holy Spirit operates in the same way. By nature, I have a very busy mind, and the Lord knows this. I don’t do well when I have to figure out what someone is trying to tell me. If you have something to say, say it If you don’t like me, it’s best to just tell me—I probably won’t pick up on subtle hints or gestures. I need directness. In my experience, the Holy Spirit has honored that. I’ve asked Him to speak to me plainly, and He has been faithful to do so. He operates in the spiritual realm, and my limited human mind can’t always grasp supernatural things. Besides, I don’t have time for guessing games, and He knows that.
What I’m saying is that hearing the Holy Spirit isn’t some mystical, ego-driven experience. It’s quiet. It’s reverent. It’s humbling. Just yesterday, I told my wife, “I don’t think my 3 o’clock appointment is coming today,” and she asked why. My response was, “It’s just what I think.” I could have said, “God told me,” to sound more spiritual, but I didn’t. About 30 minutes later, she received a text confirming that my 3 o’clock appointment had canceled. I felt like the Holy Spirit told me the appointment was cancelled but hearing the Holy Spirit’s voice, for me, is deeply personal. It’s not like having a conversation with my neighbor—it’s God speaking to me. Think about that—God Himself is speaking to me. It’s almost unbelievable, but it’s true, and I am so thankful for it. I cherish it and protect.
I’ve learned that it’s important to guard what He says to me, just as I guard what my closest friends say. I don’t broadcast everything my friends tell me, and I approach my relationship with the Holy Spirit the same way. He is my friend, and I respect and cherish what He shares with me. There’s no need to flaunt what He tells me to sound more spiritual—that’s just the flesh talking.
I’ve also seen the impact flaunting has on young believers. When someone in a group always seems to hear from God, while others don’t, it can make young Christians feel like they’re not good enough or that they’re doing something wrong. We must be careful. Always look for the fruit.
Conclusion:
Hearing the Holy Spirit isn’t about making grand proclamations or appearing more spiritual than others. It’s about a quiet, personal relationship, filled with reverence and humility. The Holy Spirit speaks with clarity and intention, not confusion. And just like we recognize a tree by its fruit, we must recognize the presence of the Spirit by the fruit it produces in our lives. When we approach Him with sincerity, not ego, He speaks in ways that guide, comfort, and transform us.
1. Through Scripture: The Holy Spirit reveals and illuminates the truth of God’s Word to us. 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that Scripture is “God-breathed,” and the Holy Spirit helps us understand and apply it.
2. Inward Promptings: The Holy Spirit often speaks to us through a sense of conviction, peace, or urging within our spirit. Romans 8:16 says, “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
3. Prayer: During times of prayer, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and can reveal God’s will or direction. Romans 8:26 states, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
4. Peace and Discernment: The Holy Spirit often communicates by giving us peace or unease about decisions. Philippians 4:7 speaks of “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,” guarding our hearts and minds in Christ.
5. Through Others: Sometimes, God uses other people to speak by the power of the Holy Spirit to guide, encourage, or confirm something in our lives.
Ultimately, hearing the Holy Spirit requires sensitivity, attentiveness, and a willingness to align with God’s voice through prayer and study of His Word.
