Sallie Dawkins

In You Can Hear the Voice of God Through All Your Spiritual Senses, I explored how to discern the voice of God. Scripture tells us in John 10:3-5 that the sheep recognize the voice of their true Shepherd, who calls them by name. 

We know God speaks to His children through His Word, dreams, visions, signs, music, nature, and even through others. However, there may be times in life when we feel we're not hearing Him as clearly. Indeed, there may even be times when we may be closed off to hearing Him. Even when we may have gone astray, God promises never to leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). To differentiate between our own thoughts and God’s voice, we need only remember that God’s voice aligns with scripture and brings peace, even when it comes with correction.

Over the past twenty months, I have faced many medical issues, possibly because of mold or virus exposure that has caused nervous system malfunctions. It feels like my full-time job for the past two years has been keeping up with doctor’s appointments. During this time, basic things like reading, writing, and working became difficult. When I struggled to pray, friends stepped in to offer their support. Listening to the Bible on my Audible app became one of my favorite ways to connect with God.

At home, I’ve kept a worship CD playing on a continuous loop in the background. Worship and praise shift our focus from problems to God’s greatness. Singing or listening to worship music opens our hearts to hear Him. Our attitude during worship may enhance our receptiveness to hearing His voice. Psalm 100:4 reminds us, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!”

Although I love journaling, health challenges have distracted me from hearing from God clearly or consistently during the past twenty months. One thing that’s seemed to help me focus has been the intentional practice of copying scriptures from the Bible into my journal. 

During this downtime, I've been learning to rest. More than a time of Sabbath rest and recuperation, I've learned to rest in the goodness of the Lord. Conversations with God felt less momentous—more like a wordless exchange between two people simply enjoying each other’s company. It’s common for individuals to struggle with discerning spiritual guidance during trials; however, it’s essential to recognize that God speaks in various ways, especially in distress.

So how do we listen for God’s voice during life’s challenges? I believe the answer lies in intentional practices that align our hearts and minds with His presence. While I wasn’t deep-diving into scripture studies during that time, I could read short devotionals and children's books. If a scripture stood out while listening to the audio Bible, I would jot down the reference and later write it out in my journal. This practice embodied meditation and prayer.

Part of my testimony shared in The Awakening Christian Series was how the Lord brought healing to many areas of life. We know what the Lord has done before, He will do again; and that He is no respecter of persons, so what He does for one, He will do for all. The medical crisis I've faced over the past two years has included additional new-to-me issues. Therefore, I also sought wise counsel and had several people join me in prayer for healing. Any area of life where we might experience more attacks of the enemy could point us exactly toward areas of breakthrough where we’re meant to lead and encourage others. In my case, ongoing health battles suggest an anointing for healing just beyond these distractions.

I have diligently searched my heart during this time, and received inner healing ministry, so I can confidently say that the absence of good health does not point directly to an area of sin. In John 9:2-3 (WEB) when the disciples asked Jesus, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “This man didn’t sin, nor did his parents, but that the works of God might be revealed in him.” Perhaps, it's merely the fact that over the past few centuries there's been a buildup of toxins on the earth, and that it's simply exposure to these man-made toxins in the water, air, soil, and food that wreaks havoc on our bodies after a period.

God designed our bodies with an innate ability to heal themselves. I want to be healed, but I also want to get to the root of these mystery issues so I can learn from them and avoid this happening again. After suffering with an infirmity for twelve years, the woman with issues in Matthew 9:20-22 (WEB) dared to touch Jesus against cultural expectations, and He healed her. The disciples didn’t understand. “But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, ‘Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well.’ And the woman was made well from that hour.”

So, healing might come suddenly, and yet at other times, it might be a process we have to walk out. The body cries out during times of distress and pain, yet we must do our best to remain focused on God, and speak His words of healing truth. First Peter 2:24 reminds us that “by His stripes, we were healed.”

Friends, in a noisy world, it's hard to rest in a place of silence, but that's exactly where we need to be to tune into God’s voice without distraction. What works for me may not work for you, but I encourage you to figure out for yourselves how to maintain a focus on Christ amid whatever life has for you because this practice fosters receptivity. Allow God to guide you instead of forcing clarity on your own terms; trust in His timing. Unless directed otherwise by God, I encourage you to stay engaged with a community of believers who can offer encouragement and collective wisdom as you seek the Lord.

As we navigate life’s turbulent waters, challenges can either draw us closer to God or push us away. Over the past two years, I have experienced the ebb and flow of both. Listening for His voice during these times requires patience and an open heart. In the end, God has a special way of talking to each of us, and wants us to listen with our hearts and minds. In your hard times, know that connecting with God is more than getting help; it's growing closer to the One who's with you no matter what. So, embrace the journey of listening, and let His guidance illuminate your path even in the most trying times.