I Samuel 3:10
‘Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”‘
The Lord came to Samuel on multiple occasions. However, He didn’t recognize that it was God. He thought it was Eli calling. Developmentally, he wasn’t there yet. This night is when Samuel would learn about it.
The Lord does the same with us. While not an audible voice, there are many other ways He speaks to us. Primarily it’s from the bible. We should be hearing it from church as well as reading it on our own. The bible is the filter by which we judge all things God. The bible is like seeds planted (Matthew 13). It’s growth is time released. It can mature and influence us weeks after reading. This is part of the miracle of His Word. Reading and hearing the bible is instilling God’s Word in us.
Romans 8 says that His Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. There is a subjective connection that we feel. Christ’s forgiveness has reconciled us to God. It would make sense that we can feel it. Romans 8:15 speaks of how we have received a spirit of adoption by which we cry out “Abba, Father”. Our spirits naturally call out to the Lord. The Holy Spirit responds by connecting with our spirits.
The connection the Lord makes with is a constant, satisfying, confident knowing that He’s with us. It’s a source of constant joy. Regardless what circumstances may befall us, the joy remains. The only things that can limit that connection and joy is our disobedience, apathy or worry. I Thessalonians 5:19 says, “Do not quench the Spirit.”
Part of the way God speaks to (and directs) us is through that joyful connection. While it’s constant, our actions can stifle it. That’s what it means to quench the Spirit. We might behave selfishly. That can make us feel less joy and God connection. It’s not a punishment, but the natural result of an ungodly choice. As we behave ungodly, we are traveling away from Him. Thus we feel Him less. We might sense an interruption or limiting in that connection. Then we realize that we’ve been selfish. We ask for forgiveness and reform our actions. In time the connection is repaired. He uses that joyful connection as a guide to maintain godly behavior.
The Lord also speaks to us through thoughts and promptings. This doesn’t necessarily refer to moral or loving choices. But He may want us to do something (or not do something). My experience isn’t that it’s longterm plans. Just a caution to not do this or a prompting to do that. I can’t be sure it’s God. Just a curiosity. He may be sparing us from a scaring situation or possibly a temptation. Conversely, He may be leading us to care for someone.
Lord, thank You for Your voice and that godly connection. Help us to stay in it. Thank you for the guidance You provide. “Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil.”