015 God Speaks: Hinderences to Hearing God part 2

Hindrances to Hearing God’s Voice: Wrong Beliefs and Unbelief

One of the greatest obstacles to hearing God’s voice is our own belief systems. For many, it’s not that God isn’t speaking—it’s that we’ve been taught to doubt His ability or desire to communicate with us. Unbelief and wrong teachings can create a barrier that keeps us from fully experiencing the intimate relationship God desires to have with us.

The Power of Belief (or Unbelief)

Growing up, I was taught that the only way God speaks is through the written Word—the Bible. While Scripture is foundational and a vital way God communicates, I believed it was the only way. This belief shaped my perspective so deeply that when I heard someone say, “God spoke to me,” I immediately thought they needed professional help.

In fact, I vividly remember being taught this in seminary. Professors would warn us that anyone claiming to hear God’s voice was likely delusional. That mindset stuck with me for years. I became skeptical of people who talked about hearing from God. My unbelief wasn’t just intellectual—it was shaping my experience of faith.

But then something changed.

A New Perspective: Hearing God’s Voice

Today, I’m one of those people who believes God speaks directly to His children—and that we can learn to hear Him. I’ve experienced it personally and have seen the fruit of it in others’ lives. And no, I don’t believe this means I—or anyone else who hears from God—needs to be institutionalized.

So, what changed? I had to confront the wrong beliefs I’d been taught and ask God to renew my mind. The Bible is clear that God speaks to His people in many ways:

• Through His Word: Scripture is the foundation of God’s communication, providing truth and guidance.
• Through His Spirit: The Holy Spirit is our Counselor and speaks to our hearts (John 16:13).
• Through Circumstances: God uses events and situations to direct us.
• Through His People: Wise counsel from others can often reveal God’s voice.

As I began to explore these truths, I realized how much my unbelief had limited my relationship with God.

The Impact of Wrong Beliefs

Our beliefs shape our experiences. If we’ve been taught that God doesn’t speak outside of Scripture, we’ll likely dismiss any impression, thought, or leading from the Holy Spirit as mere coincidence or our own imagination. This can prevent us from recognizing God’s presence in our lives.

Here’s the truth: wrong beliefs don’t just impact what we think; they influence how we live. They can create a filter that blocks out the very voice of God we long to hear.

Some common wrong beliefs about hearing God include:

“God doesn’t speak today.”
This belief stems from the idea that God stopped communicating directly after the Bible was written. But Scripture doesn’t teach this; instead, it encourages us to seek God and listen for His voice (Jeremiah 33:3).

“I’m not spiritual enough to hear God.”
Many people feel unworthy of hearing from God, but the Bible says we are His sheep, and His sheep know His voice (John 10:27).

“Hearing God is only for pastors or ‘super Christians.’”
This belief creates an unnecessary divide between clergy and laypeople. The truth is, God wants a relationship with all His children.

The Role of Faith in Hearing God

Another hindrance to hearing God is a lack of faith. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that without faith, it’s impossible to please God. Faith isn’t just about believing that God exists; it’s about trusting that He is actively involved in our lives.

Faith opens the door to communication with God. When we approach Him with expectancy—believing He will speak—we’re more likely to recognize His voice. It’s not about trying harder; it’s about trusting more.

Moving Beyond the Hindrances

If wrong beliefs or unbelief have been holding you back, here are some steps to help you move forward:

Ask God to Renew Your Mind: Pray for clarity and truth to replace any wrong beliefs you’ve held about hearing from Him.

Study Scripture: Dive into God’s Word to see how He has spoken to His people throughout history. Pay attention to verses like John 10:27 and Jeremiah 33:3.

Cultivate Faith: Choose to believe that God wants to speak to you. Start small—ask Him simple questions and listen for His response.

Be Open to Different Ways God Speaks: While Scripture is primary, don’t dismiss the ways God might speak through His Spirit, circumstances, or others.

Practice Listening: Set aside quiet time each day to sit with God. Eliminate distractions and focus on His presence.

Closing Thought

God longs to communicate with us, but wrong beliefs and unbelief can create barriers that keep us from hearing Him. As we confront these hindrances and embrace the truth of who God is—a loving Father who speaks to His children—we open ourselves to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.

So, I invite you to ask yourself: What beliefs might be keeping me from hearing God’s voice? Lay those beliefs before Him and trust that He will meet you in your seeking. He’s always speaking. Are you ready to listen?