How can you learn to discern the Spirit’s voice?

14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
1 Corinthians 13:14

One of the most important things we can do is learn to hear and follow the promptings of the Spirit. This happens through having communion with the Spirit. Here are three ways we can begin learn how to cultivate this transformational relationship.

Stop

Psalm 46:10 encourages us to be still, let go, cease striving, and know that He is God. In Psalm 37:7 we are called to “be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” There is a deep inner knowing in our spirits that each of us can experience when we quiet our flesh and our minds.

What would it take for you to truly stop? Would stopping give God time to speak?

Dream

God speaks through dreams and visions, and He specifically said that they would come to those upon whom the Holy Spirit is poured out (Acts 2:1-4, 17). Dreams can be a powerful tool used by God to direct, encourage, inspire, and challenge his people. Opening our mind to the possibility of God speaking to us through dreams can help us get a clearer picture of God’s unique plan for our lives.

What do you do with your dreams? Have you ever pondered if God has given them to you to fulfill his purposes?

Watch

Chance-encounters are God’s way of revealing who, what, when, where, and why he wants to accomplish his mission through us. Matthew 28:19 commands that we be watchful wherever we go. Being watchful comes from a life devoted to God’s word, ways, and ultimately attune to His Spirit.

Are you watchful as you walk through your daily life?

What benefit can you see in being spiritually watchful or aware?