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Presented by Lisa Bishop
We are exploring the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
God speaks to us. We can hear his voice when we properly position ourselves before him. Not walking in obedience will hinder our ability to be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. But the more we walk in holiness and earnestly seek him, the more we grow in our ability to hear him.
This is realized when we regularly meditate on God’s Word, spend time in worship and prayer, and intentionally create space in our day to quiet ourselves in his presence. The reality is the Holy Spirit is always guiding you.
In John 16:13-14, Jesus says,
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you (John 16:13-14).
When it comes to hearing the Holy Spirit, heed Jesus’s words when he says, “He will glorify me.” The Holy Spirit will never speak anything contrary to the Word of God and the teachings of Jesus. That is why it is so vital you study the Bible and continue to learn to discern God’s character. Years ago, I met with a young woman who was dating a married man at work. When I confronted her, she said she prayed about it and was convinced God told her the man was the one she was supposed to marry. How greatly deceived she was. The Holy Spirit will not go against scripture. Sometimes we want something so badly we try to convince ourselves God approves when he doesn’t. Don’t be duped. He will never lead you down paths of unrighteousness.
James 1:5 teaches us,
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you (James 1:5).
When you attune yourself to the Holy Spirit you will experience gentle nudges or impressions that direct you to do something, and help you make discerning decisions, always in alignment with the Bible. There have been times when I have asked God for wisdom and he will highlight a song, a sermon, or something somebody says. Often the Holy Spirit will prompt me to send a text of encouragement to a friend. I can’t tell you the number of times someone responded grateful and astounded because the timing of my text was perfectly aligned with what they needed to hear at that moment. I love how the Holy Spirit works, don’t you?
Let’s make it a habit to seek the Holy Spirit and ask him to guide us in wise living. Because the truth is, he loves to lead you.