Learning To Listen in 2025

I have mentioned his name and quoted Chris Tiegreen many times in past articles.  That’s because for four or five years I have been reading his One Year Devotionals; and, many times my inspiration comes from that devotional itself or his Bible reference for that day.  I had purchased several of his books so I’d have them on hand for the future.  When I went to my bookshelf last night to select one for this new year, the one that caught my eye was titled Hearing His Voice.  I’ve recently read or heard multiple comments about that very topic, so I decided maybe there’s a reason for that.  Seeing and hearing things about the same subject multiple times usually gets my attention.  So, I figure I likely need to learn better how to hear God’s voice.  I need to learn to listen better.  

As I started my morning quiet time today reading the introduction to the book and the devotional for today, so many things struck me – things I should know.  But sometimes, even if we know something it doesn’t mean we incorporate it into our lives effectively – or at all.  This quote is the very first line Mr. Tiegreen has in the introduction – “‘God is not silent.  It is the nature of God to speak,’ writes A. W. Tozer.”    

In Genesis you’ll read these words many times “And God said” or “Then God said”.  Our world came into being because God was not silent – He spoke!  His Word spoke it into being.  John 1:1-3 (TLB) tells us that Jesus Christ was that Word – “Before anything else existed, there was Christ, with God. He has always been alive and is himself God. He created everything there is—nothing exists that he didn’t make.”  

Mr. Tiegreen points out how we frequently hear from skeptics and cynics that people can’t actually hear from God directly.  “A comedian once quipped that it doesn’t bother him at all when people say they talk to God; it’s when they claim God talks to them that he gets worried.”  Then he quotes Lily Tomlin – “‘Why is it when we talk to God, we’re said to be praying, but when God talks to us, we’re schizophrenic?’”  So, if we believe that our God can communicate with us they think we’re nutty?  Well, I believe the joke is on them!

This is a very personal, caring God that we serve.  Isaiah 41:13 (VOICE) says this:  “After all, it is I, the Eternal One your God, who has hold of your right hand, Who whispers in your ear, ‘Don’t be afraid. I will help you.’”  

When you’re in any kind of relationship with someone else (friend, spouse, co-worker, etc.), there’s an expectation for communication.  There’s certainly a time and place for silence between you and the other person – but it’s not something that is anywhere near long-term.  And, it’s never supposed to be one-sided where one person does all the talking and the other only listens with no input.  So why would we ever believe that our relationship with God would be one where we never hear from Him?  One where we just talk and talk to Him – hopefully thanking Him for our blessings, but also asking and asking for things.  When we speak to Him and ask, we should expect an answer.

Mr. Tiegreen says:  “God doesn’t mind the skeptics.  He simply speaks to people who will listen and believe.”  “..we can be confident that if we seek Him, He will make Himself available to us.  If we listen, He will speak.  And if we believe what we have heard, He will show us more.”  “..simply turning your attention to hearing will stir up God’s voice within you.”    

He also says:  “Step one in hearing God is acknowledging that He still speaks.  We have to be convinced of that in order to press through the frustrations on the way to hearing Him.  Low expectations will undermine our efforts.  If we know He’s the Word who always has something to say, we won’t give up easily in our attempts to hear Him.  Most of all, we’ll believe – a prerequisite to receiving anything from God.  Faith opens our ears.”   “He calls you into a relationship, and relationships are based on communication.”  “If your desire is to hear God’s voice…then asking Him daily to hear Him better, no matter how basic the request, is an invaluable practice.” 

Now, does God speak audibly to us?  Personally, I believe He can/could and maybe does.  But I think generally He speaks to us in other more subtle ways.  For example, as we read His Word.  Maybe something you’ve read many times before suddenly has new meaning to you.  Or, you’re praying for or about something and you just sense an answer in your spirit-self.  

I was recently dealing with an issue that had me in a lot of turmoil.  I was confused, frustrated, and even a bit depressed about it.  But I just kept praying about it – asking God to show me how to handle it, what I needed to do.  Then one day, in my spirit I just sensed Him saying to me “Just do it as unto Me.”  Did all the negative feelings I’d been dealing with suddenly disappear?  No.  But I did feel much more at peace about it as I made the decision to do as He asked of me.  He spoke and I listened. 

So I believe that I need to tune into God and what He’s trying to say to me in a more concerted way.  I need to have more open and effective communication with my Lord.  I need to learn to listen.  So I’m going to add to my list of things I pray for each day – God, help me have the faith to listen. 

(I apologize for quoting Mr. Tiegreen so much in this article, but I loved all he had to say and I certainly couldn’t say it any better.  I hope it blessed and inspired you as much as it did me.) 

Written by Karran Martin – January 1, 2025

[All bold emphasis is mine]