Hearing God

Book Review

Willard, Dallas. Hearing God. Developing a conversational relationship with God. InterVarsity Press. 1999.

Comment. Henry
I found myself really resonating with most of what Willard is saying in this resource. To suggest a ‘conversational relationship with God’ would no doubt be considered a watering down of the awesomeness of God however to me it suggests his ‘ability’ to relate to us on a very human level, for which I am very grateful. A very readable book.

“Hearing God makes sense only in the framework of living in the will of God.” (11)

We must begin with the assumption that God does in fact speak to us personally. “God’s communications come to us in many forms.” (24) Our motives for wanting to hear from him must be genuine and unselfish. It is our responsibility to become aware of the nature of God as revealed in his word. We need to “accept and grow into a conversational relationship with God”. (29)

It takes the “grace of humility” (38) to truly hear from God, e.g. Moses. Being righteous or being right is not what is being affirmed when God speaks to us. We are much more in need of the Lord’s presence than his presents. “If God is personal, would he not also talk with us?’ (51) He does so through his inspired word but also through personal communications.

The stories that people relate about hearing God, although not ‘canonical’, “serve as an essential point of reference in divine guidance and hearing God”. (63) Such guidance comes with limitations..

When God is speaking to us “we rest with the fact that the word can and does come to us through the living personalities, minds and bodies of other human beings as they speak to us in unison with God.” (99) 1 Cor. 2:16 would strongly suggest that our mind can be a means of God communicating with us. “Miracles and other gifts of the Spirit- will be granted according to the measure of the Spirit and faith”. Andrew Murray. Recognizing God’s voice is a learned experience.

The “Word of God and the rule of God” (117) are discussed in terms of how power has been given to believers as they speak the words from God in their ministry and testimony, e.g. for Moses it was a serious mistake to strike the rock when he was commanded to speak to it. This presents the possibility of huge consequences of failing on our part, however, “the extent of our obligation is to be honestly willing and eager to be made able” (136) to speak God’s word. Knowing the Word of God is a prerequisite to hearing an authentic message from God. In the process of redemption the Word of God becomes an ongoing agent of spiritual cleansing in our lives. The end of this process is communion and union with God. There is a difference between faith in Christ and the faith of Christ. The function of the Word of God is discussed as it relates to redemption.

Experience authenticates our recognition of God’s voice. “God’s impressions within and his word without are always corroborated by his providence around.” (169)

Within the guidelines of God’s word and through authentic experience, believers “will discern his voice as clearly and with as much accuracy as they discern the voice of any other person with whom they are on intimate terms.” (196) As we intentionally listen to God with a humble expectation to hear from him we will not be disappointed. An overarching truth that transcends our need to hear from God which gives us ongoing confidence is the permanence of faith, hope and love.

“Hearing God’s voice will never make sense except when it is set within a larger life of a certain kind.” (211) Such a life is focused on glorifying God. The world (system) that is so much a part of our lives creates a serious challenge to our discipline of hearing from God as an ongoing experience.