There are a few ways God reveals things to us. One really obvious way that God tries to get your attention is repetition.
That is when a theme or message jumps out at you repeatedly. It can be through Scripture, sermons, articles, podcasts, or any other means He chooses.
How many times have you seen a number, or dreamt about something three times in a row? This is no coincidence. God is trying to get our attention!
In this post, we’ll explore some of the different ways that God speaks to us. We’ll also look at how to discern His voice from our own thoughts and from the devil’s lies.
Why Does God Use Repetition?
There are a few reasons why God repeats Himself.
One reason is that we often don’t hear Him the first time. He has to keep speaking until we finally get it.
A second reason is that we forget what He has said. So He repeats Himself to help us remember.
A third reason is that we often misunderstand what He is saying the first time around. So He repeats Himself to make sure we really understand.
Its like talking to our children, we have to repeat ourselves constantly before they finally get it.
How God Reveals Truth to Us
God Speaks To Us In Dreams
God often uses dreams to communicate with us. He may give us instructions for what we need to do, or show us something that will happen in the future. Dreams are a powerful way for Him to speak to us, and we should always be listening to His voice.
He takes charge of us to protect and provide. Sometimes he brings things into our dreams that may be signs of something. Hopefully, this includes the things we need.
There is no way to deny that God speaks to us through dreams with all the spiritual and Biblical references to dreams and visions.
At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you. (1 Kings 3:5)
Many important events in the Bible were revealed while people were sleeping. For example, Solomon’s wisdom came to him as a dream and Joseph, the father of Jesus, was instructed to marry his mother in an unexpected dream.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:20)
God Speaks To Us In Nature
When we take the time to be still and listen, we can hear God speaking to us through nature. He may tell us things about Himself, or give us warnings or promises.
When we pay close attention to nature we can see God in everything. The beauty of the sky, the colors of flowers and the complex nature of every breathing being.
God reveals that He is right there with us through all of his creations.
since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (Romans 1:19-20)
The heavens are the most visible and apparent of God’s creations. The sky continually and constantly declares the glory of God in the abundance of stars.
The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. (Psalms 19:1-3)
God Reveals Through the Scriptures
All Scripture helps us so we can learn, correct and be transformed into the people that we were created to be; we are best equipped to serve God when we are filled with God’s word.
When we approach Scripture, we should come with a sense of expectation. We should expect to find wisdom, guidance, support and correction. And, as we read and apply Scripture to our lives, we should expect to be transformed into the people that God created us to be.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
I’m always so amazed how God can use the Word to speak directly to me. I get excited, even if I’m being corrected, I’m still in awe.
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)
God speaks through the Holy Spirit
God has given of himself to us through the Holy Spirit, and we are a part of that God-given life. The Spirit fills our hearts, making us just what God is: loving, joyful, peaceful, and hopeful.
The Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts and speaks to us through our actions and our thoughts. He does his work through any means available to him. The Holy Spirit always says something in unique ways.
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)
There is also a peace within our hearts concerning a decision, or something we are going through. We might feel an internal sense of fulfillment or the peace of knowing their decision was correct.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (John 16:13)
God Reveals Through People
God will use people to speak to you and bring a message straight from Him. Many of those people can be leaders, friends, coworkers or family.
They may not even realize that what they are saying to you is something you needed to hear at that moment.
Throughout the bible we read about God speaking to prophets to deliver a message to His people. I know that He still does this today.
With that said, there are many false prophets and we need to use discernment when we listen to what they say. Don’t just accept what is said and run with it.
Pray on it. Ask yourself if the word you’re receiving is a confirmation to what the Lord spoke to you privately or is it coming out of left field.
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)
Is it something that is so off you walk away bewildered and confused? If this is the case RUN! Get out of dodge! We do not serve a God of confusion.
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
I wear many hats; Wife, Mom, Minister, Blogger and Entrepreneur.
It’s not easy juggling everything but with the Grace of God, I can do all things!
My plate is full but my cup runneth over!!
So beautifully spoken. Thank you for sharing.
Great article, reminding me how God moves and how important it is to stay connected to His word and to him through prayer. ❤️
Interesting reflection I like the passages you chose and the story you tell. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing. I learnt a few things.
I am reading a book about how God speaks to us. You both are saying the same thing. I guess thats a confirmation!
On a side note, i prayed and fasted and asked God to talk to my dad in a dream. A few days later, he did. The amazing thing is that we had been estranged for 7 years. Only God could have done that. No one knew I prayed that prayer.
Wow.
God is good!! I love when that happens!!!