Reflection: Listening to God

How often do we mistake silence for absence? Perhaps more often than we’d like to admit. Yet if there’s one truth that stretches across traditions, it’s this: God has never stopped speaking. The question is not whether God speaks, but whether we are truly listening.

God Speaks Through Creation

From the first sunrise to the last birdsong at dusk, creation itself has been God’s first language. The rustle of leaves, the rhythm of tides, the grandeur of a mountain skyline all whisper lessons of resilience, wonder, and balance. The natural world has always been scripture in its rawest form, yet we often pass it by with earbuds in and eyes on screens.

Thought to reflect on: When was the last time you paused long enough to let the natural world teach you something about God?

God Speaks Through Prophets and Sacred Texts

God also speaks through the prophets and sages who dared to wrestle with meaning: Abraham, Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad. Their words still breathe across time. But when read metaphorically rather than as rigid rulebooks, scriptures become what they were meant to be: living guides to deeper freedom and joy.

Thought to reflect on: What would change if you approached scripture as a conversation rather than a command?

God Speaks Through Human Voices

The divine voice spills into the words of theologians and writers who wrestle with today’s questions. It hums through podcasts and reflections that break down big truths into something we can hold in the middle of a messy Tuesday. It sings in art and music: a canvas that stops you in your tracks, a piece of music that sends shivers through your bones.

And then there’s the everyday voice of God spoken through family, friends, and even strangers. Sometimes it is a kind word that feels like balm. Other times it is a sharp rebuke that wakes us up. Either way, these encounters demand attention.

Thought to reflect on: Who has been a surprising messenger of God’s voice in your life recently?

God Speaks Through Silence

Perhaps the most challenging place to hear God is in silence. Prayer and meditation strip away the noise until what is left is presence itself. No lightning bolts. No booming commands. Just the steady pulse of love, waiting to be noticed.

The problem is not the lack of divine communication. It is the hardness of our own hearts and the speed of our own lives. We risk missing the subtle cues, the nudge, the whisper, the inner tug that asks us to pause.

Thought to reflect on: Do you allow silence to shape you, or do you rush to fill it?

The Challenge of Listening

The God who calls us to love with heart, soul, strength, and mind is already speaking. The invitation is not to hear more, but to listen more deeply. To soften, to slow down, and to pay attention.

Final thought to reflect on: What practice could you take up this week to tune your ear more carefully to the voice of God?

---

FAQs: Listening to God

How does God speak through nature?

God has been communicating through creation since the beginning. The beauty of a sunrise, the resilience of a tree, or the stillness of a lake can all serve as reminders of divine presence. Studies in eco-spirituality show that time spent in natural environments reduces stress and enhances wellbeing, making it easier to sense the sacred.

(Source: Journal of Environmental Psychology, 2020).

Why is silence important for hearing God’s voice?

Silence strips away the constant noise of modern life, creating space to hear subtle spiritual cues. Research shows that even 10 minutes of contemplative silence can reduce anxiety and improve clarity of thought.

(Source: Harvard Medical School, 2019). Silence is less about emptiness and more about tuning in to God’s quiet persistence.

Can God speak through other people?

Yes. Sometimes God’s voice comes through family, friends, mentors, or even strangers. This can be a comforting affirmation or a challenging rebuke that sparks self-reflection. Many spiritual seekers testify that unexpected encounters with others often provide clarity when prayer alone feels quiet.

(Source: A St Lucia Spirituality perspective).

What role do scriptures play in listening to God?

Scriptures across traditions act as living dialogues rather than static rulebooks. Read metaphorically, they invite deeper meaning and adaptability for today’s seekers. For example, surveys show that over 60% of young Christians prefer reading scripture with a focus on practical application rather than literal interpretation.

(Source: Pew Research Center, 2022).

How can art and music help us hear God?

Art engages the eyes and imagination, while music touches the body and emotions, creating pathways for divine connection. Neuroscience confirms that music activates brain regions tied to memory, empathy, and spiritual experience (Source: Frontiers in Psychology, 2021). When we encounter beauty in art or song, it often feels like God bypassing words to speak directly to the soul.

---

At St Lucia Spirituality we believe the journey is richer when it’s shared. If you’re seeking a place to explore questions, practice mindfulness, or simply belong to an inclusive spiritual community, we invite you to join us. From online discussion groups and meditation gatherings to our growing library of resources, there’s space here for every seeker. Step into the conversation, connect with others, and discover how community can nurture your spiritual growth.

Join Our Spiritual Community

---

About the Author - John Scoble

John's journey began in the heart of a traditional Roman Catholic family in Sydney, where he was raised with steadfast faith and reverence. Now residing in the serene surroundings of St Lucia, Brisbane, alongside his beloved wife, John finds solace and inspiration in the tranquil rhythms of life. With four adult children and a cherished grandchild also calling Brisbane home, John's family is his anchor, providing love, support, and a sense of belonging.

While spirituality has always been a cornerstone of his life, it was three transformative events in 2012, including a sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, that ignited a profound shift in John's spiritual trajectory. Embracing retirement as an opportunity for deeper exploration, John immersed himself in extensive reading and soulful reflection.

Over the course of a decade, this journey of self-discovery has led John to reevaluate and transcend many of his traditional beliefs, embracing instead the timeless wisdom and cosmic perspective inherent in Christianity. Influenced by luminaries such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, and Richard Rohr, John's spiritual evolution has been marked by a deepening resonance with the essential truths of his faith and a profound connection to the divine unfolding within and around him.