Tuning in to God's Voice: 5 Habits to Help
- Candyce Carden
- Jul 9
- 4 min read
Hundreds of sea lions sprawled on the docks at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, lounging in the sunshine as they barked energetically. They dove into the water to cool off and then hoisted themselves back to the pier. The scene entranced me, but the sounds did not.
California sea lions are incredibly noisy. These social creatures assemble on shore in large groups, filling the air with their dreadful yelps.
The harsh noise produced by these marine mammals makes them sound angry, but they usually aren’t. Females and their babies communicate with barks, unique to the pair. A mother can locate her pup among hundreds of others by its bark alone. God granted sea lions this special gift to help them survive.
Our Father also grants us special gifts, not the least of which is the capacity to discern His voice. He desires us to hear His words of guidance, love, comfort, wisdom, and rebuke. Words to help us survive and thrive.
Tuning In to God's Voice
“Tune in” is an idiom meaning “to watch or listen to a particular broadcast.” The expression originated from the need to tune a radio or television to the correct station or channel to receive a specific program.
We don’t want to miss God’s voice, whatever its purpose. Just as mother sea lions tune in to hear their pup’s unique call, we must tune in to God’s channel. In a noisy world filled with countless cries competing for our attention, it’s crucial that we intentionally listen for His voice.
Five Habits to Help
1. Seek solitude. To hear God, we need to withdraw from the clamor. We turn inward and practice stillness. Stillness of mind, body, and spirit. Jesus practiced solitude when He withdrew to a desolate place for prayer and reflection:
"Very early the next morning before daylight, Jesus got up
and went to a place where he could be alone and pray."
Mark 1:35 (CEV)
2. Take long, solitary walks. I prefer trails through the woods, but a paved walking track could work, as could your neighborhood. It’s more about finding a space that presents few distractions.
Jesus walked extensively throughout certain regions, spreading His ministry. Scripture reminds us we that we are to walk as He walked:
“Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk
in the same way in which he walked.”
1 John 2:6 (ESV)
Of course, this verse speaks to our spiritual walk, following Jesus in faith. But I love inviting Him to join me on actual walks. He never turns me down, and those hikes usually become sweet times of fellowship.
3. Sit in stillness. I like to sit outdoors on my covered deck overlooking a small grove of trees. I hear birdsong, which connects me to my Maker. On a mild day, a gentle breeze stirs the wind chime and draws me into His presence.
In the Bible, stillness isn’t about doing nothing. It’s a posture of “being.” Being ready to trust, hope, listen, and receive what God is saying. It’s a quiet confidence that rests in His presence and promises.
Throughout the Bible, various Scripture instructs us to embrace stillness and Sabbath rest:
"Be still, and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:1 (ESV),
4. Go slow. Deep, deliberate breathing slows our heart rate. As our heart rate slows our mind begins to quiet. When racing thoughts settle, we enter a calmer state of mind.
In that stillness, we become more attentive to God’s voice. The following verse from the book of Matthew encourages us to slow down, release our burdens, and trust in His care:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
5. Sing a song of praise. Nothing opens the pathways to hearing God’s voice more quickly than taking a moment to offer Him spontaneous, sincere praise. Not all of us will sing, but we can all praise Him with our voices or thoughts.
The psalmist calls each of us to praise:
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!”
Psalm 150:6 (NIV)
These rhythms of slowness and worldly disengagement create space for hearing God’s voice. Moments of inner and outer quiet invite us to practice prayer by listening—a time to grow silent and simply tune in to His voice.
And perhaps to tune out yapping sea lions.
What helps you best tune in to God's voice?
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Thanks for reading, and welcome to a few new subscribers last month. Continue reading to learn the winner of last month's book giveaway and a new giveaway this month.
And the Winner Is...
The winner of last month's book giveaway, Lord, I Believe, by Lori Hatcher is (drum roll),
Kathy P.! Congratulations Kathy. I'll contact you for your mailing address.
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New Book Giveaway
The newly released Making Room for God, by Cathy Baker.
I love this creative guide for praying through your home, and I know you will too.
So Easy to Enter:
To enter, simply add a comment below (scroll, scroll, scroll), or email me about anything at all. I love hearing from y'all. Last month's winner was one of my emailers.
Immersed in His Love,
Candyce
Great list Candyce. I find solitude helps me connect more deeply. I need to tune out the world because it takes over if I don’t get intentional.
Thanks for pointing out that stillness is not necessarily doing nothing. When we are listening to the voice of God, being still is productive. We can sometimes feel guilty if we think we aren't doing something. But even Jesus separated Himself from all distractions to listen to His Father.
We are kindred spirits. Solitude and nature have always aided me in my attempt to hear God. I used to avoid rising early, but in my later years, I’ve developed a habit of seeking God during the quiet hours of the morning. It’s become not only a habit, but a joy.
I think we're sisters in spirit, Candyce. Walking on a nature trail is my favorite way to rest in His presence. In His amazing creation I feel His glory and power and He surrounds me with just what I need--a listening ear, a calming Spirit, and a gentle chastizing when needed. Thank you for the blessing of your message.
This touched my soul. Time is slipping away from me and I need to spend more time in the Word and walking with God. Thank you for reminding me to be still and know.