by Sade Obisesan
Learning to Recognise His Voice in the Middle of Life’s Distractions
We live in a world that is constantly talking.
Our phones are buzzing, social media is demanding our attention, news is everywhere, and everyone seems to have an opinion about how we should live. Sometimes, the greatest challenge is not that God isn’t speaking—it is that we have become too distracted to listen.
Jesus said:
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27
So, how do we become better at hearing God?
1. Create Space to Be Still
Sometimes you need to step away from the noise.
Put your phone down. Turn off the television. Find a quiet place and simply spend time with God.
You don’t always need to fill the silence with words. Learn to be still.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
2. Let God’s Word Be Your Foundation
God will never lead you in a way that contradicts His Word.
When you regularly read Scripture, you become more familiar with His character, His promises, and His ways. The Bible gives you a foundation for recognising what is truly from God.
3. Don’t Rush the Answer
We often want God to speak immediately: “Lord, tell me what to do!”
But sometimes God teaches us through the waiting.
Give Him time. Pray about it. Listen. Pay attention to what He is placing on your heart rather than forcing an answer because you are impatient.
4. Pay Attention to Peace
Not every opportunity is God’s direction, and not every open door is the door you should walk through.
When you are seeking God’s direction, don’t allow pressure, fear, or excitement to make the decision for you. Bring it back to prayer and Scripture, and allow God’s peace to guide you.
5. Be Willing to Obey
Hearing God means very little if we refuse to follow what He says.
Sometimes the instruction may be uncomfortable. Sometimes it may require patience, forgiveness, courage, or stepping into something unfamiliar.
Faith listens, but faith also obeys.
When the World Gets Loud
You don’t have to escape the world to hear God. You simply need to learn how to recognise His voice above the noise.
Make room for Him.
Open His Word.
Pray.
Be still.
Listen.
And when He speaks, trust Him enough to follow.
Final Thought
God has not stopped speaking. Perhaps He is inviting you to become quieter, more attentive, and more intentional about listening.
In a world competing for your attention, make hearing God one of your greatest priorities.
The louder the world becomes, the more important it is to know the voice of your Shepherd.
Prayer
Father, quiet my heart and help me recognise Your voice. Remove every distraction that keeps me from hearing You clearly. Give me wisdom to know what is from You and courage to obey when You speak. Help me to follow You, even when Your direction is different from my plans. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
God bless you!