Tag Archive | Fear

Step 1 – Expect and Believe – From: 7 Simple Steps to Hearing God’s Voice

Jan4


7 Simple Steps to Hearing God’s Voice: Listening to God Made Easy

By Sindy Nagel

A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

Step 1 – Expect and Believe

To hear God’s voice, we must expect and believe we will hear it. In faith, we should not doubt that God speaks to us. James 1:5-7 says,

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord.

DOUBT kept me from hearing God’s voice for the first twenty years after I became a Christian. My skepticism resulted in a lack of spiritual intimacy with Jesus Christ for the first two decades of my life as a believer.

I knew being a Christian meant enjoying a relationship with Jesus Christ. I thought I had one, but I didn’t really consider that it required two-way conversation with Jesus to maintain that closeness.

Unfairly, I talked to God, but I didn’t pause to listen to His response. I never dreamed one of the voices in my head might be the Spirit of God within me.

I didn’t EXPECT that God would ever speak to me, an average person. I knew He spoke to prophets, pastors, missionaries, and other spiritually mature individuals, but I never thought I could hear God’s voice.

However, one evening about eighteen years ago, it all changed for me. I heard a voice in my thoughts that I knew was not my own. It was God! He spoke to me, an average girl. Now I know ordinary people hear from God too. And I know God speaks to all believers, but we don’t always hear Him.

In John 8:47, Jesus says, “He who belongs to God hears what God says.†Jesus said it, so you can believe it! When you belong to God, you will hear Him.

The next verse helped me when I found myself hesitating: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!†(Mark 9:24). To hear God’s voice, we must first believe we will hear it—believe, and then anticipate hearing it.

I attribute my years of doubt to a deficiency in knowing and understanding God. More precisely, I needed to better understand His Holy Spirit within me. It’s absolutely vital we grasp the idea of who the Holy Spirit is in order to expect we will hear God’s voice and believe God speaks to us.

When we invite Jesus Christ into our hearts to be our Savior and Lord, we instantly have the ability to hear God speak because He sends His Spirit to live in our hearts. The Holy Spirit is God’s voice in us.

When Jesus died on the cross, He didn’t stay in the grave. Amen? And He didn’t leave us alone as orphans to fend for ourselves. He gave us a far greater gift—God raised Him from the dead, and He sent the Holy Spirit to live inside the heart of every believer.

Did you hear that fantastic news? Jesus is alive, and the Holy Spirit is the living God who dwells in us and gives us life! We do not place enough value on this gift. It is priceless!

By the Holy Spirit’s power we are able to hear the voice of God within us. Here are a few other things the Holy Spirit does for us:

  • He reveals to us what He knows and hears from God and Jesus. (John 16:13-15)
  • He testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. (See Romans 8:16)
  • He seals us as a deposit, guaranteeing our eternal inheritance until the day of redemption. (See Ephesians 1:13)
  • He is our Counselor. He counsels us in the wisdom of God. (See John 14:16)
  • He is our Comforter who soothes us in times of sorrow, anxiety, and grief. (See 2 Cor. 1:3-4)
  • He is our Teacher. He reminds us of what Jesus said and recalls Scripture to our minds. He properly interprets the Word of God for us. He teaches us the truth. (See John 14:26)
  • He guides us to the truth. (See John 16:13)
  • He ignites our faith. (See John 6:63, Ephesians 3:16-17)
  • He empowers us to overflow with God’s hope. (See Romans 1:13)
  • He teaches us right from wrong according to Scripture.
  • He convicts us concerning sin, encouraging us to confess it and repent, or change our ways. (See John 16:8)
  • He transforms us and encourages us to become exceedingly more Christ-like through the process of sanctification. (See 2 Thessalonians 2:13)
  • He is Immanuel, God with us 24/7. (See Matthew 1:23)
  • He makes the things of God known to us. (See John 16:14)
  • He gives us spiritual gifts from God. (See 1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
  • He empowers us to do the will and work of God. (See Acts 1:8)
  • He is our intercessor, helps us in our weakness. When we do not know what to pray, the Spirit prays for us in accordance with God’s will. (See Romans 8:26-27)

The list goes on and on. The Holy Spirit of God indwelling us meets all our needs. Also, He connects us in relationship to God the Father and Jesus the Son. We know God better and experience more of Jesus through His Spirit within us.

The most astonishing part about all of this is the Holy Spirit is a free gift from God. Have you accepted this free gift?

1 Corinthians 2:12 says, “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us†(emphasis mine). What a priceless gift it is indeed!

Jesus took our place on the cross. All we have to do is invite Him into our hearts to be our Savior and Lord. When we do, both abundant life here on earth and eternal life with God in heaven are free for the taking. We can have the Spirit of the living God dwell in us without any cost to us. Truly, this is amazing grace!

In John 16:13-15, Jesus explained the main role of the Holy Spirit when He said,

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is Mine and make it known to you (emphasis mine).

God speaks to all of His children through the voice of the Holy Spirit within. He makes known to us all that belongs to God the Father.

We have the living God inside us, so why wouldn’t we be able to hear His voice?

There are at least 7 things that may prevent us: doubt, fear, pride, worry, busyness, disobedience, and an unwillingness to forgive. To be clear, these behaviors won’t necessarily keep God from speaking to us, but they may make us deaf to His voice. Learn more about each of these obstacles in my book, 7 Roadblocks to Hearing God Speak: Removing the Barriers between you and God.

Practicing any or all of the seven behaviors above may cause you to feel the All-Powerful God won’t speak to you because you’re not worthy to hear Him. Truly, despite your flaws and feelings of inadequacy, God continues to pursue you passionately. He doesn’t wait until you are perfect and sin-free to speak to you. If that were the case, none of us would ever hear from Him. Instead, the Holy Spirit helps you become more Christ-like, so it’s imperative you know how to hear and recognize His voice to utilize the promptings and assistance He offers you in the journey of sanctification.

Ironically, listening to the Holy Spirit and hearing from God are vital for identifying and changing or eliminating the seven behaviors causing your deafness to Him.

One of the roadblocks to hearing God’s voice is lack of time or busyness. The next step to hearing God’s voice is making Him your first priority and meeting with Him daily. This practice greatly increases your ability to hear Him speak. Expect to hear His voice. God does speak to you. Believe the truth. God desires an intimate relationship with you through two-way conversation. Now, make the time to listen. You’ll be really glad you did!

 

Click here to order this book now!

A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

Book One in Hearing God’s Voice Series

 

Let Your Praises Ring

Nov21

Praise the Lord, O my soul

Everything in me sings your praise

All my heart, soul, mind, and strength

Will praise you all of my days

 

Praise the Lord, O ye heavens

Praise the Lord, ye earth below

He is worthy of all glory

He is awesome, this I know

 

Before I rise in the morning

Let His praises be on my lips

And when I fall into bed at night

Let the praise in my heart do flips

 

Every moment I will praise Him

For He is my EVERY thing

Let admiration flow from my mouth

As my tongue His praises sing

 

I lift my hands in holy praise

To the Almighty God above

I delight myself in the Lord of lords

And He fills my heart with love

 

The One Who bore my sin and shame

Deserves the best words I can shout

His praise flows from within my soul

And through my lips pours out

 

He is my guardian and my friend

My trusted confidant

He provides me all I’ll ever need

Much more than I shall want

 

I thank Him for His Spirit

He placed within my heart

Who seals me for the final day

When this earth I will depart

 

I hear His voice within me

He whispers in my ear

“I am with you always…

There is no need to fear”

 

If Jesus is your Savior

The Lord of what you do

Just make the time to listen

And you will hear Him too

 

Escape the crowds and noise of life

And to the Lord draw near

Pay attention to the thoughts you think

His still, small voice you’ll hear

 

He speaks to us through Scripture

When we find ourselves in need

He counsels us in God’s good ways

And convicts us of our misdeed

 

He is our hope and healing

Our anchor in the storm

When battles rage against us

He keeps us safe and warm

 

Do not forsake your time with God

He wants to be your friend

To speak with you throughout your day

From the day’s beginning to its end

 

Pay attention to His voice within

As you walk out your faith today

Be conscious of His words to you

I bet you’ll hear Him say:

 

“My child, I love you more than life

You are My special lamb

I want to be Your Shepherd

And show you Who I AM…

 

I’m your light in the darkness

I’m your stronghold in the war

I’m your comfort in your sorrow

I’m the angel at your door

 

I give you food and shelter

I protect you from your foe

I speak the truth within your heart

The things that you should know

 

I hear you when you call Me

I’m with you in all you do

And when you cannot find the strength

You can be sure I’ll carry you

 

Trust in Me, obey My words

And I will see you through

I do not ask you to perform

Without preparing you

 

And when My work you’ve carried out

My joy is your reward

Let your praises ring, let Me hear you sing

‘Halleluiah to the Lord!’”


 

I AM Your Stronghold

Sep10

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You (Psalm 9:9-10).

Lord, where are you? You have allowed this trial in my life, but I cannot feel your presence. Are you here?

My precious child, I AM here. I AM always with you. I will never leave you or forget you. I have written you on My palms. Your name is engraved on My heart. Close your eyes and look for Me in your mind again. Pay attention to your heart which is My dwelling place. I will give you My perfect peace, even in your trials.

You are not alone. Seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with your whole heart. Trust Me. I will take care of you. I will walk with you through this valley. I will carry you when necessary. Rest in Me.

The road is long, but I AM your ever-present strength. Though we walk through fire, we will not be burned. I AM your Savior and your friend. I love you more than you can comprehend. My perfect love casts out your fears. You need not be afraid. I AM with you at all times, in all places. Cast your cares upon Me, and I will give you rest.


 

You Can Do It, With His Strength

Oct24

By Sindy Nagel

 

When the road you’re on is long and hard

With snares on either side

Take My hand; I’ll lead you on

I AM your strength and guide.

 

When challenges present themselves

And keep you from your way

Run to Me, I’m here for you

To walk you through your day.

 

When sorrow strikes and grief sets in

Your Comforter, I’m He

I’ll hold you in My loving arms

Your strength I’ll always be.

 

When sin is knocking at your door

Asking you to play

Call on Me, I’ll give you strength

There is a better way.

 

When hope is gone and your heart feels weak

You need a loyal friend

I AM your ever-present strength

I AM faithful to the end.

 

When you’re all alone and gripped with fear

Of some impending threat

I am your Fortress and your Shield

That truth, do not forget.

 

When the task at hand is much too large

For you to do yourself

I AM the One who gets you through

Trust Me to give you help.

 

You can do everything

You set your hand to do

Do not fear what lies ahead

My strength will lead you through.

 

Inspired by the Word of God from Philippians 4:13

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

His Way is Best

Sep7

This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48: 17)

You may spend time going your own way, following your own desires. You may enjoy a good life; however, it may not be My best for you. Listen to My voice. I will instruct you and show you the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Hear My words. I will teach you what is best for you, I will direct you in the way you should go. When you pay attention to My commands, you will experience peace like a river. Delight yourself in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to Me; trust in Me and I will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before Me and wait patiently for Me. I am delighted in the way I make for you; your steps I make firm. Though you stumble, you will not fall, for I uphold you with My hand. I am with you always. Do not fear the way unknown, for it is not unknown to Me. I will direct your steps. My Word will be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. You know My voice. Listen and follow.

(Also see Psalm 32:8, Psalm 37:4-7, 23-24, Psalm 119:105)


 

Do not fear, I am with You

Jul17


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:10 & 13)

Lord, you woke me this morning with these words from the Shoulders song by For King and Country, playing in my mind: “I will feel no fear. I know that You are near.”

Lord, what do you want me to know about this?

My darling child, I want you to know that I love you and I am with you. I am always near whenever you are afraid. I will strengthen you. I will take hold of your hand and lead you out of your fear. There is no fear when you know you are loved by me. I will protect you and take care of you. Be afraid of nothing, for I have redeemed you and called you by name; you are mine. Nothing will overtake you; nothing will harm you. You are my child, whom I love dearly. Be strong and do not fear the days ahead. I am in control. I have your best interests in mind. Trust me with your whole heart. I will help you and take care of you. I hold you close to my heart. I love you more than you know.

Artwork Credit: Be Not Afraid © Greg Olsen. Used with Permission. For more information visit, www.GregOlsen.com


 

For King & Country – Shoulders Lyrics

Artist: For King & Country Album: Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong.

When confusion’s my companion

And despair holds me for ransom

I will feel no fear

I know that You are near

When I’m caught deep in the valley

With chaos for my company

I’ll find my comfort here

‘Cause I know that You are near

[Chorus:]

My help comes from You

You’re right here, pulling me through

You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness

all on Your shoulders

Your shoulders

My help comes from You

You are my rest, my rescue

I don’t have to see to believe that

You’re lifting me up on Your shoulders

Your shoulders

You mend what once was shattered

And You turn my tears to laughter

Your forgiveness is my fortress

Oh Your mercy is relentless

[Chorus]

My help is from You

Don’t have to see it to believe it

My help is from you

Don’t have to see it, ‘cause I know, ‘cause I know it’s true

[Chorus]

My help is from You

Don’t have to see it to believe it

My help is from you

Don’t have to see it, ‘cause I know, ‘cause I know it’s true

Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/for-king-country/shoulders-lyrics/#XzHBam3OEqkKc2gG.99

 

No Fear in Love

May31

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us. (1 John 4:15–19 NASB)

Do not fear what tomorrow may bring, I am with you. You abide in me and my Spirit lives in you. I am love, and I love you perfectly. Since I dwell in you, my love satisfies your soul. My perfect love dispels any fear your spirit may conjure. You need not be anxious about anything because I am with you always. I will be your source of strength and the light that guides you through the storm. Love bears all things, just as I carry your burdens for you. I will sustain you in your trials. I will carry you through the fire. I walk alongside you in the valleys. I pull you up the mountain slope. I am with you wherever life takes you. Rest in the knowledge that you are never alone. You do not endure your suffering unaccompanied. Put your hope in the preserver of your soul. I will keep you from sinking. Trust in me, and I will take care of all your needs. You are my child whom I love. Abide in me, and do not fear what tomorrow may bring, because I am here.


 

Daughter of the King

Apr11


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.“Then you will know that I, the Lord your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill.†(Joel 3:17)

Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel. Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.†(Zephaniah 3:14-17)

You are my Daughter of Zion. As I dwell in Zion, I also dwell in you. I live in your heart. Be glad and rejoice, for I am with you. I take great delight in you. I rejoice over you in song. You are my child. I have adopted you as my own daughter. You are the Daughter of Zion, the Daughter of the King, my precious princess, the beautiful bride of Christ. You are mine. You belong to me.

Do not fear, I am with you always. Rejoice in the one who has saved you. Lift your hands in praise to the King. I am the one true God, and you have access to me at all times. Seek me within your own heart and you will find me. Listen to my voice from within. I will not lead you astray. Let me direct your paths. I have marked out the best way for you to go. Follow me, and I will lead you beside still waters. I will restore your soul. Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of the King! Your God is with you, he dwells in you.

Be Strong and Courageous

Feb24

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed,

for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Lord, It seems like we’re an old married couple. We’ve talked about everything over the years and have nothing else to say to each other.

That’s where you’re deceived, my love. I have more to say to you now, than I did when you first met me. We have become so comfortable with each other, we can say everything we are thinking to each other.

I have developed you into the woman I need to carry out my work. I have great plans for you. I have so many things to discuss with you. Don’t abandon me now. Don’t put off meeting with me just because you’re satisfied with the way things are going in your life. I still have things to share with you. I still have things for you to accomplish. Don’t be complacent in the life you have created for yourself, when I have grander things in mind for you.

Sit with me a while and listen to my voice. Let me tell you again how much you mean to me, how much I love you, how pleased I am with you. Do you grow tired of hearing my voice? You take for granted what some may never experience. You hear me speak. Many do not recognize my voice. You have the King of kings as your best friend. Many do not even know who I am. Do not put off meeting with me, because you think it’s a waste of time. When you know my voice, nothing I say falls to the ground. You hear every word. Now what will you do with it?

Come, my love. Sit in the warmth of my embrace. Let me sing praises over you. Let me overwhelm you with my love. Be filled with my perfect peace. Experience the joy of true, unconditional, committed love. I am yours and you are mine. We will do great things together. I will empower you with my strength and courage. Do not be afraid. All things are possible with me. I am the vine, you are the branch. You can do nothing apart from me. But with me by your side, nothing will stand in your way of doing my will and my work.

Be bold and courageous. Be strong and steadfast. Stand firm in your faith and battle for lost souls. Do not be ashamed of me or my Word. I am the One, true God. Those who do not know me are lost. Share my love with all you know. Bring them to me and I will take it from there. Be the ambassador of my love. It is my desire that all would seek me and know me as their Lord and Savior. I have blessed you to be a blessing. Go into the world and do my work. I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

I love you, Lord.

I love you more!

Fear Not

Oct3

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The man who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:18-1 9)

My child, do not fear me as you fear the unknown. Know me better and you will not be afraid. I am not the God of wrath and punishment that you have seen. I am the God of love. I demonstrated my love for you in this: while you were still a sinner, my Son died for you. You have now been justified by his blood, and saved from my wrath through Jesus Christ.

Draw near to me and I will draw near to you. Seek me in awe and reverence, and I will make myself known to you. Let me love you perfectly and your fear of me will dissipate. I care for you deeply. The most important concept for you to grasp is the depth of my great love for you. Experience this love first hand by spending time with me and time in my Word.

Sit with me often and listen to my voice. I will quiet you with my love. I will rejoice over you in song. I am delighted in you. Hear what I am saying to you: I love you so much that I gave my one and only Son to die for you. There is no greater love. Give me a chance to show you who I am. Stop what you are doing and make time for me. Sit at my feet and listen to me. I will love you perfectly until your fear is gone.