If you’re a Christian, you’ve probably heard someone say, “God told me to do this” or “I heard God’s voice in prayer.” Maybe you’ve wondered, Why don’t I hear Him like that? The truth is, God is always speaking, but many of us miss His voice because of barriers we’ve put in place. Let’s explore some of the reasons why most Christians struggle to hear God and how to overcome these challenges.
1. Faith and Belief Issues
Hearing God starts with faith. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Doubts about whether God speaks today or whether He would speak to you can act as a wall, blocking you from recognizing His voice. Believing that God is actively involved in your life is foundational to developing a relationship where you can hear Him clearly.
2. Not in a Quiet Place
Life is noisy—filled with responsibilities, distractions, and endless screens. Psalm 46:10 urges us to “Be still, and know that I am God.” God often speaks in a still, small voice, and if we’re not intentional about creating space for silence, we’ll miss it. Set aside quiet moments to pray, meditate on Scripture, and simply listen.
3. Unwillingness to Obey Small Commands
Sometimes, we want God to give us big revelations or grand instructions, but we overlook the small, everyday things He’s already asked us to do. Maybe it’s forgiving someone, helping a neighbor, or spending more time in His Word. Luke 16:10 says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Obedience in the small things opens the door to deeper communication with God.
4. Clinging to Worldly Things
Let’s be honest: we’re often more attached to the comforts and pleasures of this world than we’d like to admit. But Jesus made it clear: “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). To hear God’s voice, we need to sacrifice some worldly distractions and prioritize spiritual practices like prayer, fasting, and worship.
5. Disconnected from Scripture
God’s voice is consistent with His Word. If you’re not familiar with Scripture, it’s harder to recognize His voice when He speaks to your heart. As 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” Spending time in the Bible tunes your ears to God’s frequency.
6. The Arrogance of Human Nature
Sometimes, our pride gets in the way. We think we know best or rely on our own understanding instead of seeking God’s wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Humility opens the door to hearing from God.
7. Being Out of Sync with the Holy Spirit
God speaks loudly and clearly to those who are in tune with His Spirit. Galatians 5:25 says, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” When you’re aligned with God’s will—through prayer, obedience, and surrender—you’ll find that His voice becomes unmistakable.
How to Start Hearing God’s Voice
If you’ve felt distant from God or struggled to hear Him, don’t lose hope. Here are some practical steps to help:
- Pray with Expectation: Ask God to speak to you and believe He will.
- Spend Time in the Word: Read the Bible daily and reflect on its truths.
- Practice Stillness: Turn off the noise and dedicate quiet time to listen.
- Obey Promptings: Act on the small nudges you sense from God.
- Seek Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage and guide you.
Remember, hearing God’s voice is less about Him being silent and more about us being ready to listen. When you align your heart with His Spirit, you’ll discover that God’s voice is closer and clearer than you ever imagined.
Blessings,
Troy
Troy P Zehnder 