Living Life by Design

We all lead very busy lives in a noisy world. In the midst of all the noise, talk and distractions, how do you hear God through the voice of the Holy Spirit? 

Listening to the Holy Spirit means listening to the Word of the Lord. ‘A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can any understand their own way?’ (Proverbs 20:24). Listen to the Spirit as he speaks to us through the Scriptures.

Another way in which we can hear the voice of the Holy Spirit is through the wise advice of others. Wise and knowledgeable people in our lives are invaluable. ‘Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel’ (v.15). ‘Drinking from the beautiful chalice of knowledge is better than adorning oneself with gold and rare gems’ (v.15).

Prophecy is the ability to hear what God is saying and pass it on to others. It is a spiritual gift of very high importance in the church and should be eagerly desired (v.1 Corinthians 14:1). It is not necessarily about foretelling the future. Rather it is usually forth telling what God is saying in the current situation.

On the whole, prophetic words are confirming what the Holy Spirit has already placed in our hearts. If you are unsure about a prophetic word, do not act hastily but do what Mary, the mother of Jesus, did – wait and ponder it in your heart (Luke 2:19).

Whether through reading His Word, the wise advice of others or through prophecy, God wants your attention. He has something he wants to tell you. The only question is, will you listen?