I often hear from people who ask me how they can hear from God. I tell them that God's will for them is knowable and doable, and that the Lord is eager to communicate with His children. When we do our part in the communication process, we always discover that God is faithful to do His.

First, God speaks to us through His Word. Scripture says, "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105 NLT) What is your greatest need today? Does it have to do with your finances, your relationships, your work, or your health? Whatever it is, if you will approach the Lord with an open Bible, and ask Him to speak to your heart about your need, He will lead you to Scriptures that will address your concerns. As you apply the principles contained in those verses, you will see doors open and mountains move. It may not happen overnight, but it will happen, because God's Word - His Truth - never fails. God's Word works, when we put it to work.

The Lord also speaks to us through His Holy Spirit. Jesus said: "Everything that the Father has is Mine. That is what I meant when I said that He [the Spirit] will take the things that are Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you." (John 16:15 AMP) Like a heavenly transmitter, the Holy Spirit will bring us revelation from heaven that will enable us to live lives of victory and abundance - lives that honor God. One way that we can recognize instruction from the Spirit, is that it is in harmony with the Word of God. If what we hear contradicts the principles of Scripture, we can be sure that it is not from God, but from our own carnal minds or the evil one, Satan. I often like to pray, "Lord, make me sensitive and obedient to Your Spirit's leading in these matters."

The Lord can even use our circumstances to speak to us. The Bible says: "The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step]." (Psalm 37:23 AMP) In other words, when we are committed to living for God and seeking His will, He will direct our steps and order our circumstances for our good and His glory. Suppose you are looking for a job. As you earnestly pray for God's best in the situation, you can ask Him to shut every door against you but the right one. As you continue to stand in faith for the answer, you can trust that the Lord will use your circumstances to guide you to the job that is right for you in His sight. Even if you make a mistake, it's not the end of the world, because God is on your side. As the following verse states: "Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him." (Psalm 37:24 AMP)

God often uses our relationships to speak to us. This is why the quality of our relationships is so important in God's sight, and should be in our own. Scripture says: "The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. They have made God's law their own, so they will never slip from His path." (Psalm 37:30-31 NLT) A Christian who is living a life of obedience can be one of the greatest assets to our walk with God. If we are having trouble hearing from the Lord in a certain area, we can ask Him to use a godly companion of ours to give us clarification and confirmation. However, we are not to depend on other people to hear from God for us; we are to depend only upon the Holy Spirit. But God can, and does, use others when it suits His purposes to do so.

Jesus said: "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." (John 10:27 NKJV) You already have everything you need to hear from God. Take a moment and call on Him today. He longs to speak to you.

Prayer: Lord, help me to devote myself to Your Word, so that You can use it to impart Your perfect wisdom to me. Teach me to be sensitive and obedient to the voice of Your Spirit. Grant me God-honoring relationships that will benefit me spiritually. Thank You for directing my steps in paths of victory and success, as I live my life for You!