Jump-Starting Your Ability to Hear the Lord: Practical Tips for Growing.

As believers, one of the most important skills we can develop is the ability to hear the Lord's voice. Jesus said in John 10:27, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." Hearing the Lord's voice is essential for following Him and living a life that is pleasing to Him. But sometimes, we can feel like we're not hearing anything at all.

If you're struggling to hear the Lord's voice, here are a few tips to jump-start your ability to hear Him:

1. Spend time in prayer and worship: The more time we spend in the presence of God, the more attuned we become to His voice. Spend time in prayer and worship, asking God to speak to you and listening for His response.

2. Meditate on Scripture: God's Word is one of the primary ways He speaks to us. Spend time meditating on Scripture, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal its meaning to you.

3. Be open and expectant: Sometimes we can miss God's voice because we're not looking for it. Be open and expectant, believing that God wants to speak to you and that He will.

4. Seek wise counsel: God often speaks to us through other believers. Seek out wise counsel from trusted friends, pastors, or mentors, and ask for their input and guidance.

5. Practice obedience: Obedience is key to hearing the Lord's voice. When we are obedient to what God has already revealed to us, we create space for Him to reveal more. Take steps of faith to obey what you already know God is asking you to do.

6. Be still and listen: In our fast-paced world, it can be hard to find stillness and quiet. But it's in the stillness that we often hear God's voice most clearly. Take time to be still and listen, shutting out distractions and focusing on what God might be saying to you.

In conclusion, hearing the Lord's voice is essential for following Him and living a life that is pleasing to Him. To jump-start your ability to hear Him, spend time in prayer and worship, meditate on Scripture, be open and expectant, seek wise counsel, practice obedience, and be still and listen. As you do these things, may you grow in your ability to hear the Lord's voice and follow Him more closely.