What Does God Want Me To Know Today?
Have you ever wondered what God’s message is for you today? In our busy modern lives, it can be easy to overlook the quiet voice of God speaking wisdom and truth into our circumstances. This article explores how you can tune into God’s voice and discern what He wants you to know on a daily basis.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: God speaks to each of us daily through His Word, the Bible. Setting aside quiet time to read a verse or passage, meditate on it, and ask God to reveal its meaning for your life today is the best way to hear from Him.
Examining Your Heart and Motives Before God
Come with Humility and Openness
When approaching God, it is vital to first examine our hearts and come to Him with humility and openness. This means setting aside our own agendas, opinions, and desires and being willing for God to search our hearts and reveal any areas that need to change (Psalms 139:23-24).
We can ask God to give us a spirit of humility so that we come to Him seeking truth rather than seeking to prove we are right. As it says in James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
Confess Any Known Sin
Another key aspect is confessing any known sin in our lives. As 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Bringing known sins into the light allows God’s forgiveness and healing to wash over us.
This clears the pathways for closeness with God, unhindered by guilt or shame. As Hebrews 10:22 encourages, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.”
Surrender Your Own Agenda
Finally, we must surrender our own agendas and desires to God. Rather than approaching God with a list of things we want Him to do, we can come with open hands, asking Him to reveal His purposes and plans for our lives.
As Romans 12:1-2 explains, we are called to offer ourselves as “living sacrifices” to God. This means laying down our own agendas and embracing His. In doing so, we position ourselves to hear God’s voice and discern His direction, being transformed in the process.
As Jeremiah 29:11 affirms, God’s plans for us are “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Listening for God’s Voice Through Scripture
Ask God to Speak Through His Word
Before reading the Bible, it’s important to begin with prayer. Ask God to open your eyes, mind, and heart to what He wants to reveal to you through the passage. The Holy Spirit inspired the Scripture and He desires to make it come alive to us today (2 Timothy 3:16).
An example prayer is: “Father, as I read Your Word, speak to me. Give me fresh insight and wisdom for applying this to my life.” Meditating prayerfully prepares us to hear more clearly from God.
Slow Down and Meditate on Bible Passages
Too often we speed-read through the Bible without taking time to pause and reflect on what we’ve read. Slowing down and “chewing on” the passage allows God’s Word to work deeper into us (Psalm 119:15). Consider meditating on just a few verses or even one verse at a time.
Read over it several times, pondering what stands out. We can use questions like: What is the main point here? What does this text reveal about God or believers? How can I personally apply this?
Write Down Insights and Applications
We retain what we record. Writing down reflections, insights, and action-steps helps us incorporate God’s Word more fully into our lives (Habakkuk 2:2). In a journal or other notebook, jot down the key truths or main ideas you’re gleaning from the passage.
Examine what it’s showing you about who God is and who you are in Him. Then make notes on any positive changes you feel led to develop – how you can apply the Scripture in terms of your thoughts, attitudes, speech, behaviors, relationships, and priorities.
Consistently listening to God through His Word in this way helps transform us to be more like Christ. We begin seeing life from His perspective, adopting His values, and walking in greater wisdom by the power of the Spirit.
Here are some additional helpful resources on hearing from God through Scripture:
- https://www.navigators.org/resource/how-to-study-the-bible/
- https://tifwe.org/4-keys-to-hearing-gods-voice/
Interpreting God’s Message Within Context
Understand the Historical Context
When reading the Bible, it is crucial to consider the historical and cultural context in which it was written. This helps us better comprehend the original intent and meaning of the text. For instance, some Old Testament laws made sense in an ancient agrarian society, but need to be understood differently today.
By learning about biblical history and culture, we can gain insight into why God communicated certain messages in specific ways at particular times.
Compare Multiple Translations
Since the Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, studying different English translations can shed light on the original text. Some translations are more literal while others focus on conveying core meanings. Comparing versions helps us appreciate nuances we might otherwise miss.
For example, the more poetic phrasing of The Message can resonate differently than the formal wording of the King James Bible. Checking several translations ensures we don’t get stuck on a questionable interpretation.
Seek Wise Counsel if Unsure
When we come across a confusing or controversial passage, it is wise to seek input from spiritually mature Christians. Discussing questions with pastors, mentors and scholars helps guard against misunderstanding.
As Proverbs 11:14 says: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Seeking wise advice prevents us from going astray or drawing improper conclusions about God’s Word.
Confirming God’s Leading Through Prayer
Ask Questions and Wait for Answers
When seeking God’s guidance, it’s wise to begin with prayerful questions rather than demands. Ask God to reveal His will, then wait patiently for His response. This may come through scripture, wise counsel, circumstances, or that still small voice (1 Kings 19:12).
Be ready to accept whatever answer God gives, even if it’s not what you expected. Remember, His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Listen for Consistent Themes Over Time
Rarely does God reveal His whole plan immediately. More often, He unfolds it gradually through consistent themes whispered to our spirit over days, weeks or months. That’s why patience and attentiveness are key when discerning God’s leading. Don’t force decisions based on limited information.
The Lord promises wisdom to those who seek it (James 1:5). So keep praying, listening and evaluating until the way ahead becomes clear.
Pay Attention to Confirming Circumstances
As we seek God in prayer, He often orchestrates events to confirm the right path. For example, He may provide financial provision for a ministry calling or open and close doors of opportunity. But be cautious about reading too much into circumstances alone. Evil can also prosper (Jeremiah 12:1).
Look for confirmation through scripture, prayer and wise counsel too. As we stay sensitive to God’s Spirit, He will make His will clear and grant peace about next steps.
When making important decisions, don’t rely on subjective feelings alone. Combining prayer with scripture study, wise counsel and common sense can protect us from foolish choices and confirm God’s direction. He promises to lead those who acknowledge Him in all their ways (Proverbs 3:5-6).
So keep seeking, and the Shepherd’s voice will break through!
Acting in Obedience to God’s Direction
Start with Small Steps of Obedience
When we sense God calling us to something new, it can feel overwhelming to jump straight in. More often, God invites us into growth through small steps of obedience. As we follow His gentle promptings in bite-sized ways, we build trust and readiness for what’s next.
Mother Teresa said, “God does not ask us to do great things. He asks little things with great love.” We might simply reach out to someone in need or set aside regular quiet time with God. Small acts of obedience pave the way for deeper faith.
Be Patient if Answers Don’t Come Quickly
We live in an instant gratification culture, but walking in God’s will requires patience and persistence. Unlike sending a text and getting an immediate reply, communication with God can feel less direct. His timing and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Seasons of waiting on the Lord sharpen our trust in Him. While answers may not come as quickly as we hope, we can find comfort in the truth that God hears every prayer and knows what we need even before we ask (Matthew 6:8).
He works continually on our behalf even when we can’t yet see the full picture.
Trust God Even When His Ways Don’t Make Sense
As followers of Jesus, we are called to obey God even when His instructions seem illogical or counterintuitive. Scripture gives many examples of God leading people to do things that seemed foolish from a human perspective. Noah built an ark in the desert.
Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt to protect baby Jesus. And Jesus’ own path to victory went through the cross. Each step required radical trust. Yet time after time, God proved faithful. His higher thoughts and ways worked wonders they couldn’t have imagined (Isaiah 55:8-9).
We can have bold confidence to keep in step with Him.
Conclusion
Hearing from God on a daily basis takes some intentional slowing down and quieting of our busy hearts and minds. But it brings great reward as we learn to recognize the voice of the One who loves us most.
Listening to God through Scripture, surrendering our agendas to Him in prayer, and acting in obedience positions us to receive His unique message for our lives each new day.
