Learning to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit is one of the most important things you can do as He prepares you for the Tango to come.  It is paramount for an abundant, joyful life.  But it takes intentionality and mindfulness.

It requires intentionality because you must practice listening and learning to recognize when the Holy Spirit is speaking. Many times, it’s hard to distinguish between His voice, your own self, or the enemy of our souls.

It takes mindfulness so that you are fully present, attentive in the moment of where you are and what you’re doing. Conscious of your thoughts, feelings, and body awareness.

A way to practice knowing when the Holy Spirit is speaking is to balance it with what the Bible teaches.  It’s important to “know” His voice according to John 10:4-5.

Years ago, Jon and I were preparing to leave for a Discipleship Training School with YWAM (Youth With A Mission). I was in prayer about all we needed to get done before we left.  It troubled my heart, and I was struggling with unbelief.

The Holy Spirit spoke and told me to look out the window.  There was a beautiful male cardinal sitting on a branch looking at the window where I sat.  I heard His voice say “When you are praying and see a cardinal, know that I am with you.”

That sweet message filled me with hope and I felt such love. So, I trusted I had heard from the Holy Spirit and knew He’d give me the grace to prepare for the move.

There were many difficult tangos as we prepared for the DTS. As we earnestly prayed, I would feel an unction to look somewhere and there would sit a cardinal.  Sometimes one would be a long way off or fly right by me in clear view.

I remember a very distinct time as I wrestled with God on our back porch and it was late.  I was crying out to Him (Jer 33.3) about what this move would mean to our children. Our daughter, Calli, walked outside to see where I was.  After we talked, she turned to go inside, stopped and said “Mom look there’s a bird sitting up there.”  I looked up, and a cardinal was sitting on a branch right under our outside light!  You can imagine the peace that flooded my heart as I gazed at it in wonder.

Now years later, I’m still flooded with peace when I have something on my mind and a cardinal shows up.  It’s usually in decision times and He’s reassuring me I’m on track.

Do you have peace and assurance you hear the voice of God through the Holy Spirit?  If, so, please leave a comment on how He speaks to you.  If you need more information on how to hear His voice, please contact me and I’ll be happy to talk with you.