This is the final installation of Hearing God.  If you desire to hear the Lord speak, you may need to consider and deal with any hindrances in your life to hearing him.

Hindrances to Hearing God

 1.  Religious Preconceptions.  (See 2 Kings 5:11-12)

Sometimes our religious training puts God “in a box” so that, when He doesn’t act according to our preconceived notions, we dismiss or reject what He is doing.

2.   Working for God rather than seeking God.   (See Isa. 58:2-9; Lk. 10:38-42)

Sometimes we get caught up in doing all kinds of things for God rather than seeking God himself.   Martha was busy serving Jesus, but Mary was sitting quietly and listening to Him.  Jesus declared that Mary had chosen the better option.

3.   An Unresponsive Heart  (See Ezek. 11:19, Heb.3:8)

Hardened hearts do not make good receivers.  If your heart has been hardened by life so that you are bitter, guarded, distrustful, or always in control ask God to break down those strongholds and give you a softened, trusting, and responsive heart to His love and His word

4.    Unrepented Sin.  (See Ps .66:17-18)

Take an inventory.  If there is a persistent sin you love, excuse, or justify, acknowledge it and submit that sin to God and the cross. If God is going to speak freely to us, we must love Him above all things and all people.

5.    Unforgiveness   (See Matt. 6:12-14)

God says that a relationship with Him depends on our willingness to forgive others as he has forgiven us. Decide to forgive those who have wounded you.

6.   Distrust (Fear)   (See Ps. 62:8)

If we distrust God, fear that he will not act in our best interests, or protect us from too much pain, we will not want to hear from Him. Sometimes we don’t want to let God into the secret places of our heart because we are afraid of what he might say or what he might ask us to do about those things. Trust Him.  He loves you more than you love yourself.

7.   Half-hearted Faith, Double Mindedness   (See Ja. 1:6-8)

If we are only partially committed to live for God or if we want to serve two masters – God and whatever else we love that competes with Him – we will not hear from him as clearly or as often as we want.  God is a God who must be first and the only “god” in our lives.

8.   The Enemy  (See Eph. 6:10)

Satan will often try to interrupt your attempt to hear from God with distractions, feelings of condemnation, “brain static,” etc.  Before you begin to be still and listen for God’s voice bind the voice of Satan by the blood and the authority of Jesus.

Be sure to examine yourself regarding these hindrances and deal with each one through repentance and a renewed commitment to serve and trust the Lord.  When you do hear from God, you may hear him as a thought or a stream of thoughts that arise in your mind spontaneously.  You may hear one word that God wants you to consider.  You may receive a mental image, an impression, or a prompting that you understand intuitively.  You may even hear an audible voice, though that is usually the exception and not the rule. Just remember, God wants to speak to you and speak to you often.