Have you ever prayed to God for something and felt like He was absent? Have you ever felt like maybe you just aren't getting answers? Sometimes God speaks to us in ways that we don't even consider. All we need to do is stop and recognize when God is speaking to us.
I struggle greatly with listening to God. I always like to feel as if I can get through life on my own whims. This is prideful thinking and it hinders me from hearing God's voice. While not audible, God's voice can be heard clearly through circumstances. The peer or even romantic interest who constantly lets you down may be showing clear signs that God is calling you to break the ties. This is the hardest thing to learn as we hate giving up on people, but sometimes in life it's necessary in order for us to grow into who we were meant to be.
Furthermore, sometimes when we fail to hear God speak, maybe He's saying that something isn't meant to be. Maybe that's Him saying, "This is not my plan for you, but what I have in store for you is so much better in comparison. I promise." God isn't to be compared to a genie or a grandfather in the sky who spoils you with your every desire. He is a just God and a righteous God. Sometimes bad things happen to us in life and we don't know why. We pray that God will mend the brokenness and take away the darkness, but instead He may have plans for you to fight through the hard times in order to see that He is faithful. Take it from someone who knows, the bad times allow so much growth in the Lord that joy comes after suffering. Beauty can result from pain if only we trust Him and know that His plan is sufficient.
"Word of God speak. Would You pour down like rain, washing my eyes to see Your majesty? To be still and know that you're in this place, please let me stay and rest in Your holiness. Word of God speak."
-MercyMe
Now here comes the question I'm sure you're asking yourself: How can I possibly hear what God has to say if He isn't speaking to me? How do I listen when I don't know what to listen for? I just completed a quiet time on this and what it said brought so much clarity to this issue. In order to determine if God is speaking to you and guiding you, try asking yourself one of the following questions: Does this align with God's character in Scripture? Does this thing that I'm asking for contradict or support what is in the Scriptures? Is the message you're getting one of encouragement or negativity?
"Ninety percent of what God wants to say to you is encouragement."
-Peter Lord
After answering these questions, you should be more aware on whether or not God is speaking to you. Go live your life and live it for Him! I guarantee joy comes in the morning.
