Listening to the Holy Spirit

By Andi and Brian Hale

“How do I hear the Holy Spirit?” is a common question among believers. While there isn’t a 1-2-3 magic formula, there are disciplines that you can implement to put yourself in the place of hearing the Holy Spirit more clearly. Remember, He’s always speaking; it’s just a matter of opening your spiritual ears to hear Him.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 15:7

Focus on the Word

The Holy Spirit talks to you through the Bible! He directs your thoughts as you go about your day. He brings it to your mind when challenges arise, and helps you know what to do.

You focus on the Word by spending time in it. You can’t just read it casually every now and then. Treat it like the priceless treasure it is.

Listen to God’s People

The Holy Spirit isn’t only speaking to you; He’s speaking to all of God’s people. Sometimes those people have received a message from the Lord for the church. Other times the Holy Spirit uses those people to share a special message specifically for you. 

Make sure those people are Spirit-filled, Spirit-led and full of faith. 

Listen in Prayer

Do you find yourself doing all the talking in your prayer time with the Lord? If you never get quiet enough to listen, how will you ever hear what the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart?

When you pray, praise Him for His goodness and thanking Him for all He has done for you, then ask him for what you need. After that, get quiet. Prayer is not a one-way conversation. Make sure that you give the Holy Spirit a chance to speak. He may bring a scripture or song to your mind. He may bring a person to mind that needs prayer. Or He may give you direction for your day or even an answer for a prayer request.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
    and his courts with praise!
    Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the Lord is good;
    his steadfast love endures forever,
    and his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5

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Every weekday morning we also do a devotional podcast and this week we learned about the power of words. Sometimes we let our tongue fly and end up saying things we shouldn’t. As the old addage says, “I have said many things that I have regretted. But I have never regretted something that I chose not to say.”

As a disciple of Christ, we are stewards of what He has entrusted to us. We have been entrusted with a life that is to honor Him. Therefore, as wise stewards, we are to invest our words wisely.

We also learned to ask ourselves “What do the words you are speaking now reveal about your heart?” We must have a heart changed by the love of Christ. He shows us how to find peace within before spoken words leave us.

We also learned that words are powerful, they can build up or tear down. They can bless and they can heal. Ultimately, we cannot fulfill our purpose and take advantage of opportunities to point people to Jesus if our own souls are not healthy. 

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Sometimes we hear things from God that we don’t want to accept or we make excuses. We may even say “That’s not really God saying that, is it?” Questioning His leading is human, but not always the best recourse.

As parents, we are happy when our children obey immediately, and so is our heavenly Father. We have been hearing His voice to move over this summer and we were understandably resistant after being here for 10 years. But as one responsibility disolved after another and more doors opened, we are lead to move to Colorado Springs.