Here is a question I’m often asked: How does a person hear the voice of God? It’s an important question to answer to aid people’s spiritual growth. Jesus said unambiguously that his sheep hear his voice so they can know and follow him more faithfully (John 10:27).
When asked this question, I consistently give the same answer: The best way to hear God’s voice is through reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word. Then the Holy Spirit will speak through those words to your heart.
I’m then asked, “Well, is there a good place to start when trying to hear God’s voice in his Word?” My answer is an unequivocal yes. It’s to where my dad always pointed people to start. I heard it’s the same place Billy Graham encourages people to begin when reading God’s Word.
It’s the Gospel of John. It’s a brilliant, blazing constellation of light in a world of darkness. In John, we read clear claims of Jesus’ deity— more specifically, his seven “I am” statements, which are unique to the
Gospel of John. John gives us deep insights into Jesus’ relationship with the Father. The person and work of the Holy Spirit come alive.
In John, Jesus promises us that through him, we will never hunger or thirst spiritually again.
Just when you think you know all you possibly can about Jesus, a jolt out of the Johannine blue surprises you. “Oh, I’d never seen that before!” you exclaim. Sometimes you gasp in wonder as a new revelation enlightens your heart.
I did this spiritual exercise in John for a year. Daily I would read some verses and allow my heart to be marinated by their words. I would then say, “Speak to me, Lord Jesus, in your Word.” Then I’d write down what I thought the Lord was saying. It was a year of extraordinary spiritual growth.
This book, Hearing the Voice of God, is a compilation of that year’s worth of reading, listening to, and writing down what I thought God was saying. I’ve now tried to translate it into a context where any reader could similarly hear God’s voice in his Word.
My greatest desire is for you to experience what I experienced: God speaking powerfully and personally in his Word. While I did this over the course of a year, you’re welcome to ponder and apply these readings at a pace that works best for you.
At the end of reading the Gospel of John, I hope your heart’s antennae will be more finely tuned to hear God specifically speaking to you so you can follow Jesus more faithfully. Jesus said he speaks to his sheep. He yearns for his people to hear his voice and do his will, and that includes you.
I pray this devotional will aid you in hearing the voice of God as you journey through John’s Gospel.
It was an incredible experience for me, and I’ll never be the same because of it.
My hope is the same will be true for you.