The Volume of Life

We live in a loud world. Notifications ping every few minutes. News headlines race across screens. Podcasts, playlists, and social media fill the silence. Even the good things—family, work, ministry—can add to the constant noise. And somewhere in all of it, we try to find the voice of God.

I know I am not the only one who has ever wondered, “God, are You speaking, or am I just too distracted to hear You?”

The truth is, God still speaks. He has not gone quiet. But learning to hear Him means we have to get intentional. It is not about trying harder. It is about creating space. It is about tuning our ears to the one voice that brings peace, direction, and life.

God Is Still Speaking

Scripture shows us again and again that God speaks. He spoke the world into existence. He spoke to Moses through a burning bush. He spoke to Elijah in a whisper. He spoke to the prophets, to Mary, to Paul, and through Jesus, who is the living Word.

God has not changed. He still speaks through His Word. He still prompts hearts through His Spirit. He still guides us through wise counsel, circumstances, and His peace.

The problem is not with God’s volume. It is with our listening.

Stillness is a Practice

One of the biggest enemies of hearing God today is hurry. We move so fast. We fill every moment with something—often out of habit more than purpose. But if we are going to hear God clearly, we need stillness.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Stillness is not inactivity. It is intentional space. It is setting aside time to stop, breathe, and focus our hearts on Him.

This might look like waking up 20 minutes earlier just to sit quietly with your Bible and journal. It might be turning off your car radio on your commute so you can pray. It could mean fasting from social media for a few days so your mind can reset.

Stillness takes effort in our culture, but it is worth it. It reminds us that we are not the center of everything. It opens our hearts to the whisper of God.

Start With His Word

The most reliable way to hear God’s voice is to spend time in His Word. The Bible is not just a book of old stories. It is alive. It is God-breathed. And it speaks into our lives today.

If you are not sure where to start, begin with a gospel like John or a book like Psalms. Read a little each day. Ask, “God, what are You saying to me here?” Let Scripture shape the way you think, feel, and make decisions.

I have found that when I stay rooted in the Bible, I become more sensitive to the Spirit’s nudges in everyday life. It sharpens my discernment. It helps me recognize God’s voice when the world is shouting something different.

Pay Attention to Peace

One of the ways the Holy Spirit confirms direction is through peace. I am not talking about a perfect life or lack of problems. I am talking about that deep inner calm that says, “This is the way—walk in it.”

Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” That word “rule” means to act like a referee. In other words, when we are unsure about something, peace (or the lack of it) can help us discern what God is saying.

If you feel rushed, pressured, or confused about a decision, pause. Ask God for clarity. Wait on His peace. He is not in the business of creating chaos. His voice brings calm even when the situation is uncertain.

Community Matters

Hearing God is personal, but it is not private. God often speaks through His people. That is why being part of a church and having godly friends matters so much.

There have been moments in my life when I could not quite figure out what God was saying. But someone close to me—my wife, a mentor, or a prayer partner—would share something that confirmed exactly what I was sensing.

We were never meant to figure this out alone. Proverbs says there is wisdom in many counselors. When you are trying to hear God’s voice, invite trusted believers into the process. Their perspective may be the confirmation or caution you need.

Trust His Timing

Sometimes we want God to speak now, clearly, and loudly. But often, His voice comes slowly, quietly, and in pieces. It teaches us to wait. It teaches us to trust.

If you have been praying and listening but still feel unsure, do not panic. Keep showing up. Keep praying. Keep obeying what you already know. Sometimes God waits to speak because He is growing your faith in the waiting.

Isaiah 30:21 promises, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” That voice is still there. You just may need to slow down to hear it.

Quieting the Noise

In a world full of opinions, trends, and noise, God is still speaking. He has not gone silent. He is not hiding. He wants to guide you, comfort you, and use you.

But if we are going to hear Him, we have to quiet the noise. We have to create space. We have to seek Him with intention.

So today, take one step. Turn off the noise. Open His Word. Listen in stillness. Invite His peace. And trust that His voice is closer than you think.