8. Jesus often speaks to me through my thoughts.

(Before looking at the questions below, take a few minutes to think about this statement. Invite Jesus to speak to you about what He would like you to notice.) 

Do you ever hesitate to consider that Jesus may be speaking to you in your thoughts? Explain. 

Consider doing an inventory of what occupies your mind and what your thoughts most often dwell on.

What determines what your think about? What would it take for you to manage, filter, or control what your mind thinks about? 

Try focusing your thoughts on Jesus. Think about who He is, what He cares about, and what He desires for you. Ask Jesus questions about these topics; listen for His reply.

So, what does it actually sound like when God speaks? God communicates to us in a variety of ways, as we have already said. But a primary way that God communicates with us is through our thoughts. Since God’s Spirit lives inside of us, it makes sense that we would hear God from within, from our mind and heart.

The challenge often is not so much “hearing” as it is discerning whether what we hear is God—or not. Many of us, much of the time, are nearly overwhelmed by all the thoughts, impulses, and information that come to us from sources both outside of us and inside. We need to learn how to separate these voices.

It is important to know that God will never force His thoughts on us. That means we must make space in our minds to allow His words to be received. This may require some bold steps on our part to silence the noise of other voices. We need to quiet cell phones, screens, sounds, even visuals. Finding a place without distractions can help, but many people find that their racing minds won’t stop even in quiet places.

Some people find it easier to focus their thoughts when their bodies are active: coloring, doodling, knitting, holding something, fingering rosary beads, walking, running, being in nature, etc. Experiment. Learn about your tendencies and ways. We are blessed to have a God that knows us and our ways and can adapt His ways to our ways.

Be persistent. I remember one person in ministry who after a month on sabbatical called to say that his mind had finally slowed down enough that he could begin to hear God speak.