How Do you Hear the Voice of God

[Trumpet]

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters,

It has been asked of me many times, often by those who simply do not, or care-not to understand. “What does the Voice of God sound like?” I am certain that as we exist individually, the manifestation of that “still small voice” does indeed burn within the bosoms of those who have had an undeniable testimony; indeed a witness to the miraculous workings of the Lord. And yet, so few are able to articulate what that sounds or feels like. Now I know very well that these testimonies are bound to vary from person to person, and they themselves are each a special and profound experience. Nonetheless, I’m certain that in each of us, there is a story of a moment we were moved, compelled or otherwise directed by the spirit of the Lord.

I hesitate to admit it, but I fear that many of our youth are beginning to hear less and less, or perhaps they fail to recognize the profundity of the subtle whisperings which abound day to day.

Let us take some time to build faith together, and offer a testimony of those things which can certainly be identified as the voice of our dear Lord. For I know he speaks in each and everyone one us. May I humbly ask, that those who are interested offer a story, an insight or a bit of wisdom which might edify us here on this forum. Many blessings to each of you my friends.

--Trumpet--

[LukeAir2008]

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters,

It has been asked of me many times, often by those who simply do not, or care-not to understand. “What does the Voice of God sound like?” I am certain that as we exist individually, the manifestation of that “still small voice” does indeed burn within the bosoms of those who have had an undeniable testimony; indeed a witness to the miraculous workings of the Lord. And yet, so few are able to articulate what that sounds or feels like. Now I know very well that these testimonies are bound to vary from person to person, and they themselves are each a special and profound experience. Nonetheless, I’m certain that in each of us, there is a story of a moment we were moved, compelled or otherwise directed by the spirit of the Lord.

I hesitate to admit it, but I fear that many of our youth are beginning to hear less and less, or perhaps they fail to recognize the profundity of the subtle whisperings which abound day to day.

Let us take some time to build faith together, and offer a testimony of those things which can certainly be identified as the voice of our dear Lord. For I know he speaks in each and everyone one us. May I humbly ask, that those who are interested offer a story, an insight or a bit of wisdom which might edify us here on this forum. Many blessings to each of you my friends.

--Trumpet--

Trumpet, welcome to LDSFF. Do you serve the Lord Jesus Christ - the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh and the Firstborn in the Spirit?

[Trumpet]

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters,

It has been asked of me many times, often by those who simply do not, or care-not to understand. “What does the Voice of God sound like?” I am certain that as we exist individually, the manifestation of that “still small voice” does indeed burn within the bosoms of those who have had an undeniable testimony; indeed a witness to the miraculous workings of the Lord. And yet, so few are able to articulate what that sounds or feels like. Now I know very well that these testimonies are bound to vary from person to person, and they themselves are each a special and profound experience. Nonetheless, I’m certain that in each of us, there is a story of a moment we were moved, compelled or otherwise directed by the spirit of the Lord.

I hesitate to admit it, but I fear that many of our youth are beginning to hear less and less, or perhaps they fail to recognize the profundity of the subtle whisperings which abound day to day.

Let us take some time to build faith together, and offer a testimony of those things which can certainly be identified as the voice of our dear Lord. For I know he speaks in each and everyone one us. May I humbly ask, that those who are interested offer a story, an insight or a bit of wisdom which might edify us here on this forum. Many blessings to each of you my friends.

--Trumpet--

Trumpet, welcome to LDSFF. Do you serve the Lord Jesus Christ - the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh and the Firstborn in the Spirit?

Indeed, I do as best as I am able within the confines of this mortal shell. May we serve together dear friend.

[sbsion]

the "voice' is a "burning" that when your mediatation become "aligned" with the principles of truth, you feel it AND it speaks expressly in "thought of mind"

[Trumpet]

the "voice' is a "burning" that when your mediatation become "aligned" with the principles of truth, you feel it AND it speaks expressly in "thought of mind"

Absolutly! Thought of mind. This is a profound description of the occurence. This sensation comes from without, and is not developed by the imagination or merely the mortal mind. It is as if there is a moment of sudden knowing; as if an entierely completed and alien thought is suddenly placed into the mind of the recipient. A spark of awareness or flash of insight perhaps, but altogether received, not conceived.

[Rand]

It is still, it is quiet, it is piercing to the center. It is direct, it is a voice of no nonsense, it is kind, powerful, undeniable, wise, good, peace bringing, and a voice of perfect love, a voice that uses few words to convey it's truth. It is a voice that is sharp as a two edged sword, to divide any doubt, or mixed thoughts. It is a voice that is not necessarily nice, but it is a voice of absolute truth and light.

[Trumpet]

It is still, it is quiet, it is piercing to the center. It is direct, it is a voice of no nonsense, it is kind, powerful, undeniable, wise, good, peace bringing, and a voice of perfect love, a voice that uses few words to convey it's truth. It is a voice that is sharp as a two edged sword, to divide any doubt, or mixed thoughts. It is a voice that is not necessarily nice, but it is a voice of absolute truth and light.

This is exactly like what I had hoped to receive from this post. It is comforting to know that there are still those who can discern the still small voice. Is it possible that you may have also identified qualities of genuine conviction? You see, it are those who may hear as you do, that can stand, act...or even lay down one's life for truth heard in this way. I suppose that in order to fully put this into action, however, would require an unshakable faith on the part of the hearer. I marvel at the faith of Abraham, who took his son upon the mount, investing his faith into a voice as subtle as the one you described. Yet, he was so convicted however, that it literally took a shout from Heaven to steer him otherwise when he held the blade at ready. This certainly entertains the notion that there may well be other manifestations of the voice of God. Would you, perhaps, care to elaborate further upon other possibilities? My friend, in this day and age, it is more important than ever to know the promptings of the spirit. I'm sure you agree.

[tmac]

Trumpet, welcome to the forum, and thanks for your posts and this thread. This is a subject that is very interesting to me, and one that I seek to grapple with on a regular basis. My definition of Personal Revelation has come to be: "the extent to which we can hear and understand the Lord's voice when he speaks to us individually." But I don't want to claim to be any sort of expert. in fact, to some extent it is troubling subject matter to me.

Because of the kind of work and ventures I am involved in (I'm an independent businessman, real estate investor and entrepreneur), it seems like I'm always exploring new territory, working to make new things happen, and needing the Lord's help to succeed. In the process, I have experienced my fair share of failures. Sometimes, I feel very troubled that, despite my best efforts, I don't feel like I hear and understand the Lord's voice, and corresponding will better than I do.

One good example of this is a venture I was involved in last year. Over the course of the past few years, I have been involved in a number of proactive, grassroots political causes, to attempt to help awaken people to our awful situation, and try to make a meaningful difference politically, etc. Some have been very successful. Others have not. Last year, I was involved in several such efforts, including a very proactive independent, local political initiative, as well as a much broader-based political effort. At the time, I felt like both efforts were inspired, and being guided by the hand of the Lord, but they both went down in flames, and were major busts, which I have struggled, to some extent, to understand.

I have especially struggled to understand with respect to one of the efforts. It was an effort for which I made great sacrifices, and contributed both thousands of hours of time, and tens of thousands of dollars, risking the financial best interests of me and my family. As I said earlier, at many points along the way, I felt like the effort was being inspired and guided by the Lord, and that is why I was willing to do what I did. But at a certain point in time, after so much effort, contribution, sacrifice, and exercise of faith, we ran completely out of resource to move forward. Despite our best, and continued, persistent efforts, No path was provided to continue to move forward, financially or otherwise (including exposure, marketing, networking, relationships, partnerships, etc.), and the whole effort eventually withered on the vine, and accomplished little, if anything.

I have really struggled with this for several reasons. First of all, because the way, and the Lord's voice and will seemed so clear and unmistakable at many points along the path. Then, it all became very clouded, murky and confusing. The second reason I have really struggled is because of the time and financial resources I expended in the effort, because it ultimately didn't work out and went no where, it really set me and my family back financially. And now, I have to ask myself: for what purpose? That is something I have really be grappling with this Spring, as I sincerely seek to clearly hear the Lord's voice and to know what to do now.

On one hand, it has been very disappointing and devastating in many ways. On the other hand, I have come to express gratitude for this and other experiences that essentially converged all at the same time to have a very humbling effect on me. It has caused me to engaged in higher degree of introspection than ever before, and see some things that I have really needed to work on and transform in my life. I am thankful for this, because without it, I would have probably just continued down my previous path(s), relatively fat, dumb and happy.

On the other hand, though, at this point, I really want to hear and understand the Lord's voice with a degree of clarity that I have probably never experienced before. And, right now, when I feel like I need it most, I'm really struggling to hear it. I feel like essentially all I am hearing is static, or silence on the other end, and I am left to flounder around, trying to figure out what to do at a time when I feel it is really important that I choose the right course and make the right decisions for moving forward.

So, what is the answer? I don't know, but I appreciate the discussion, and the added dimensions that others bring to it. Thanks.

[Rose Garden]

tmac, the Lord's purposes are not ours. You had a certain goal in mind that didn't materialize, so you say, I failed, it was a failure. The Lord might have had a completely different goal in mind completely. This has been the case with my spiritually directed "failures".

Let me testify to you that it is possible for you to gain the kind of direction from the Spirit that you long for. Keep trying. Don't give up. The Lord knows the true desire of your heart and will reward you. It will not be an easy journey, but if you cling to that desire, it will happen. I know it can. I know it will.

[sbsion]

the "voice' is a "burning" that when your mediatation become "aligned" with the principles of truth, you feel it AND it speaks expressly in "thought of mind"

Absolutly! Thought of mind. This is a profound description of the occurence. This sensation comes from without, and is not developed by the imagination or merely the mortal mind. It is as if there is a moment of sudden knowing; as if an entierely completed and alien thought is suddenly placed into the mind of the recipient. A spark of awareness or flash of insight perhaps, but altogether received, not conceived.

it's is available to ALL who seek humbly, broken, contrite, sincere, and with real intent, also the power of "creation"(organizing)

[Raindrop]

Am I having deja vu?

[Trumpet]

Trumpet, welcome to the forum, and thanks for your posts and this thread. This is a subject that is very interesting to me, and one that I seek to grapple with on a regular basis. My definition of Personal Revelation has come to be: "the extent to which we can hear and understand the Lord's voice when he speaks to us individually." But I don't want to claim to be any sort of expert. in fact, to some extent it is troubling subject matter to me.

Because of the kind of work and ventures I am involved in (I'm an independent businessman, real estate investor and entrepreneur), it seems like I'm always exploring new territory, working to make new things happen, and needing the Lord's help to succeed. In the process, I have experienced my fair share of failures. Sometimes, I feel very troubled that, despite my best efforts, I don't feel like I hear and understand the Lord's voice, and corresponding will better than I do.

One good example of this is a venture I was involved in last year. Over the course of the past few years, I have been involved in a number of proactive, grassroots political causes, to attempt to help awaken people to our awful situation, and try to make a meaningful difference politically, etc. Some have been very successful. Others have not. Last year, I was involved in several such efforts, including a very proactive independent, local political initiative, as well as a much broader-based political effort. At the time, I felt like both efforts were inspired, and being guided by the hand of the Lord, but they both went down in flames, and were major busts, which I have struggled, to some extent, to understand.

I have especially struggled to understand with respect to one of the efforts. It was an effort for which I made great sacrifices, and contributed both thousands of hours of time, and tens of thousands of dollars, risking the financial best interests of me and my family. As I said earlier, at many points along the way, I felt like the effort was being inspired and guided by the Lord, and that is why I was willing to do what I did. But at a certain point in time, after so much effort, contribution, sacrifice, and exercise of faith, we ran completely out of resource to move forward. Despite our best, and continued, persistent efforts, No path was provided to continue to move forward, financially or otherwise (including exposure, marketing, networking, relationships, partnerships, etc.), and the whole effort eventually withered on the vine, and accomplished little, if anything.

I have really struggled with this for several reasons. First of all, because the way, and the Lord's voice and will seemed so clear and unmistakable at many points along the path. Then, it all became very clouded, murky and confusing. The second reason I have really struggled is because of the time and financial resources I expended in the effort, because it ultimately didn't work out and went no where, it really set me and my family back financially. And now, I have to ask myself: for what purpose? That is something I have really be grappling with this Spring, as I sincerely seek to clearly hear the Lord's voice and to know what to do now.

On one hand, it has been very disappointing and devastating in many ways. On the other hand, I have come to express gratitude for this and other experiences that essentially converged all at the same time to have a very humbling effect on me. It has caused me to engaged in higher degree of introspection than ever before, and see some things that I have really needed to work on and transform in my life. I am thankful for this, because without it, I would have probably just continued down my previous path(s), relatively fat, dumb and happy.

On the other hand, though, at this point, I really want to hear and understand the Lord's voice with a degree of clarity that I have probably never experienced before. And, right now, when I feel like I need it most, I'm really struggling to hear it. I feel like essentially all I am hearing is static, or silence on the other end, and I am left to flounder around, trying to figure out what to do at a time when I feel it is really important that I choose the right course and make the right decisions for moving forward.

So, what is the answer? I don't know, but I appreciate the discussion, and the added dimensions that others bring to it. Thanks.

My dear Tmac,

I too understand the frustration endured by not immediately recognizing the will of the Lord. I sense that it is during these very unique times, times when we are disappointed and are confused about what had appeared to be our dear Lord’s will (thus unfulfilled) that we somehow compress the spirit and remove ourselves from our capacity to hear clearly. Static, as you as you have very accurately described, may well be the product of our hearts suddenly un-tuned to the broadcast of his will during our self-imposed time of frustration.

Let me ask you…

If you had desired to grow a particularly beautiful flower and indeed the flower was something that you had so longed to grow and nurture, to bring forth into this world even from its beginnings as a seed.
And, the Lord in his generosity had offered the very best and most fertile soil, the warmth from a sun placed in the Heavens for it to thrive, and even the rain to quench it during the days of its growth.
And then, as it had begun to flower for the first time, it caused you and loved ones nearby to become plagued by a particularly difficult reaction to a unique allergen which it had produced. Would the untimely withering of the flower, even despite the work it took for you to grow it, serve as a blessing to you and those you love? Or… would your interest in the flower be so great so as for you to suffer yourself and loved ones to endure the length of its course?

Perhaps, my friend, the Lord’s will was simply to cultivate the elements of your best interest. And indeed, as you’ve pointed out, your heightened degree of introspection has served you and brought you to a new degree of understanding. In this light, I’m sure you couldn’t have heard the Lord loudly or clearly enough.
Your story is such a special example of how our dear Lord does in very deed work in miraculous ways to perform his wonders…in perfect counterpoint to bring us unto the greatest realization of ourselves. In the spirit of this thread, you have truly brought to light an incredible manifestation of the Lords voice in the lives of his children. Thank you so much for sharing your story. May the Lord bless you and keep you and Give you Peace my friend. Much love…

--Trumpet--

[Jason]

Trumpet, welcome to the forum, and thanks for your posts and this thread. This is a subject that is very interesting to me, and one that I seek to grapple with on a regular basis. My definition of Personal Revelation has come to be: "the extent to which we can hear and understand the Lord's voice when he speaks to us individually." But I don't want to claim to be any sort of expert. in fact, to some extent it is troubling subject matter to me.

Because of the kind of work and ventures I am involved in (I'm an independent businessman, real estate investor and entrepreneur), it seems like I'm always exploring new territory, working to make new things happen, and needing the Lord's help to succeed. In the process, I have experienced my fair share of failures. Sometimes, I feel very troubled that, despite my best efforts, I don't feel like I hear and understand the Lord's voice, and corresponding will better than I do.

One good example of this is a venture I was involved in last year. Over the course of the past few years, I have been involved in a number of proactive, grassroots political causes, to attempt to help awaken people to our awful situation, and try to make a meaningful difference politically, etc. Some have been very successful. Others have not. Last year, I was involved in several such efforts, including a very proactive independent, local political initiative, as well as a much broader-based political effort. At the time, I felt like both efforts were inspired, and being guided by the hand of the Lord, but they both went down in flames, and were major busts, which I have struggled, to some extent, to understand.

I have especially struggled to understand with respect to one of the efforts. It was an effort for which I made great sacrifices, and contributed both thousands of hours of time, and tens of thousands of dollars, risking the financial best interests of me and my family. As I said earlier, at many points along the way, I felt like the effort was being inspired and guided by the Lord, and that is why I was willing to do what I did. But at a certain point in time, after so much effort, contribution, sacrifice, and exercise of faith, we ran completely out of resource to move forward. Despite our best, and continued, persistent efforts, No path was provided to continue to move forward, financially or otherwise (including exposure, marketing, networking, relationships, partnerships, etc.), and the whole effort eventually withered on the vine, and accomplished little, if anything.

I have really struggled with this for several reasons. First of all, because the way, and the Lord's voice and will seemed so clear and unmistakable at many points along the path. Then, it all became very clouded, murky and confusing. The second reason I have really struggled is because of the time and financial resources I expended in the effort, because it ultimately didn't work out and went no where, it really set me and my family back financially. And now, I have to ask myself: for what purpose? That is something I have really be grappling with this Spring, as I sincerely seek to clearly hear the Lord's voice and to know what to do now.

On one hand, it has been very disappointing and devastating in many ways. On the other hand, I have come to express gratitude for this and other experiences that essentially converged all at the same time to have a very humbling effect on me. It has caused me to engaged in higher degree of introspection than ever before, and see some things that I have really needed to work on and transform in my life. I am thankful for this, because without it, I would have probably just continued down my previous path(s), relatively fat, dumb and happy.

On the other hand, though, at this point, I really want to hear and understand the Lord's voice with a degree of clarity that I have probably never experienced before. And, right now, when I feel like I need it most, I'm really struggling to hear it. I feel like essentially all I am hearing is static, or silence on the other end, and I am left to flounder around, trying to figure out what to do at a time when I feel it is really important that I choose the right course and make the right decisions for moving forward.

So, what is the answer? I don't know, but I appreciate the discussion, and the added dimensions that others bring to it. Thanks.

....that would be my relocation to Minnesota and missionary efforts that began with missionaries opening up the town for the first time ever and ended when the missionaries had to taken out due to constant bickering with each other as well as countless violations of good missionary conduct. Down to $500 in the bank and unable to make the next month's rent....but the Lord rescued my family and I and blessed us far beyond our expectations after that trial concluded.