I hear God. I’ve heard Him since I was 16. I encountered Him in some moments prior to that, but 16 was a turning point for me. I had spent so much of my life self-focused, oscillating between pride and fear, and never able to find a balance on who I was or what I was supposed to do. But that was about the time He broke through, despite myself, and I began to experience life in a new way. Once you hear His voice, there’s nothing that can compare.

God has a way of breaking into our lives and revealing Himself in powerful moments. At a conference as a teenager, through a relationship with a mentor, in a special moment of prayer, and often when we’re in some of our darkest moments. But God desires to have more than just moments of breakthrough with us. He’s looking for long-term lovers of Jesus who have His presence, character and voice as their central focus.

God is a verbal God. He used words to bring creation into existence, and immediately established a conversational relationship with humanity. When Israel refused to come hear Him for themselves, He sent His prophets to speak for Him. He sent His Son to come engage the world in person, and when Jesus left, He sent His Spirit to “teach us all things” (John 14:26). Direct personal communication has always been a hallmark of how God has desired to interact with people.

When Jesus rose, He said:
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you….And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” (John 14:18, 21)

He comes to us through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is actually called the Spirit of Jesus (Philippians 1:19). So how do we connect with the Holy Spirit? How do we hear God and receive what He wants to give us?

It’s rarely an audible, word-for-word voice that we hear. Here are some of the most typical ways you can hear God’s voice:

  • Hearing: You may sense Him speaking directly to your spirit or mind—like a thought you know didn’t come from you.

  • Seeing: Through pictures in your mind, dreams, or scripture coming alive as if highlighted.

  • Sensing: A deep knowing or peace in your gut that confirms direction or truth.

  • Recognizing: God often repeats Himself through people, circumstances, and scripture—He’ll get your attention.

If you struggle with hearing Him clearly, you’re not alone. Some common barriers I’ve seen in people (and experienced myself) include:

  • Feeling unworthy or unsure if you’re “spiritual enough”

  • Believing God speaks—but not to you

  • Not having slowed down enough to learn His voice or rhythm

  • Being out of alignment—living in shame, unforgiveness, or disconnection

  • Being in a silent season, where God is drawing you deeper into trust

But here’s the truth: God wants to speak to you more than you want to hear Him. He’s not hiding to be cruel—He’s drawing you to Himself. The voice of God will always reinforce His love, His Word, and your identity in Him. If it doesn’t do that, it’s not His voice.

So if you’ve been longing to hear Him more clearly, take a breath and know this: it’s not about striving—it’s about slowing down and getting close. Open the Word. Get quiet. Ask Him a question. Wait. Trust. Try again. Over time, His voice becomes familiar. Not because you earn it—but because He loves to be with His kids.

And maybe that’s the whole point. Hearing God isn’t just about guidance—it’s about relationship. And He’s still speaking.