Hearing God When He Speaks: A Simple Relationship and a Humble Approach

“Our ability to hear God’s voice begins when we reverence Him through simple obedience. That is the basis of the childlike relationship He desires with you and me. Knowing God is not enough; we must fear and obey Him.

Do you want to hear God’s voice? Then you must become like a child, for when the Lord said that “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14), He was talking about people like Samuel (…)-people who have a simple, childlike relationship with Him.”

Priscilla Shirer

In the chapter which the above paragraph appears, Priscilla talks about becoming like a child, in their simple relationship with, and humble approach to, Christ.

Over and over again, Scripture references Jesus’ speaking of the faith of a child.

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, ‘Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me;’“

Matthew 18:1-5

There is something about the faith of a child; their willingness to believe and obey, without any preconceived notions of how God chooses to work. Christ tells us to become like children, humbling ourselves.

“And they were bringing their children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.’ And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.”

Mark 10:13-16

Why would Christ tell us this, but that there is something we all can learn from children? Have you not seen how trusting a little child is? When you tell him you will do such and such for him, he does not question you, but accepts that you will fulfill your promise. Children, as well as being trusting, are simple. They are not always second-guessing, they do not put pressure on themselves to become better on their own, but depend on you to help them. Is that how we relate to God? All too often the answer is no.

I started looking through my Bible for references about children; for ways to practically apply those verses. There are many references to children, but I could only pick a few today. One of those I found especially helpful.

“Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”

Ephesians 5:1

This verse tells us how to walk out our lives as children; in love. That is the second step in becoming as a child.

The first step in becoming as children is how we approach God.

Solomon may be a good example to look at.

“Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in…So give your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil.”….This was pleasing in the sight of the Lord.

I Kings 3:7,9,10

If this wasn’t a humble approach to God, I’m not sure what is. Humility, obedience, and a simple, trusting approach and willingness to be used by God seem to me to be key in hearing Him when He speaks to us.

Priscilla closes one of her chapters with this prayer, which I wish to echo here:

“Father, I thank You for the great priviledge of being Your child. I reverence Your majesty and power. Lord, as I think about what it means to have a simple relationship with You, remind me of the childlike characteristics You want to see in me. Help me put aside my traditions and religious prejudices so that I will be completely willing to receive both Your message and the way You want to give it to me. Then help me respond to You like a child-obediently, spontaneously, and wholeheartedly.”

Priscilla Shirer, in He Speaks To Me.