by Leigh Ann Dilley on October 28, 2024
Thirty-four women took time to unplug from their busy lives, heading up to Buckhorn Camp outside of Fort Collins for a weekend of deepening their relationship with God and learning to hear His voice. Led by Jan Johnson—author, retreat speaker, and spiritual discipline teacher—the retreat focused on exploring God’s presence through lessons and exercises. Here are some key takeaways from our journey together...
Reflecting on God's Presence
We began by contemplating challenging questions: What does it mean to live in the presence of God? Do I see God as someone I want to be with? What does it mean to delight in God, and what does His delight in me look like? How do I respond when God challenges me?
Practicing the Presence of God
To hear God’s voice, we first need to recognize what it isn’t. Many people have a distorted view of God. As 1 John 1:5 says, "God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all." Any voice that is negative, shameful, blaming, or guilt-inducing is not God’s. Jan recommended that we read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as a description of God’s love: "God is patient and kind; He is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. God does not demand His own way..." God rejoices over us (Zephaniah 3:17), carrying us like the shepherd who joyfully lifts His sheep onto His shoulders (Luke 15:5-6). Living in God’s presence and responding to His voice is the life He designed for us. As Jesus said, "My sheep know my voice" (John 10:3-4). Hearing God’s voice is often more natural than we think.
Our first prayer practice was noticing how God shows up. We practiced spending, even "wasting," time with Him—walking slowly, savoring His presence. Have you ever noticed how leaves dancing in a soft breeze resemble applause, or how the shadows of leaves resemble laughter, or how the wind in the treetops sounds like the breath of God? All creation delights in Him. Slow down and see how God appears in your world!
Recognizing God’s Voice
Does God really speak to us individually? Yes, though not always on demand. Be patient and attentive, and don’t expect God to speak to you the same way He speaks to others. When He does speak, why do we sometimes doubt? (James 1:5-6). Didn’t we ask Him to speak? Prayer is meant to be a two-way conversation with God. To foster this, we can ask Him questions like, “What are You inviting me into?” or “What do I need to know about (fill in the blank)?” Wait expectantly (Psalm 5:3).
God responds in various ways:
- Yes – Your request is granted.
- No – Trust God’s wisdom.
- Grow – Your character may not yet be ready.
- Slow – The timing isn’t right.
- Go – It’s time to move forward.
When God speaks, it’s polite to respond. It’s a conversation, so don’t forget to listen for His next response.
We can make mistakes when listening for God. Sometimes we’re too busy or distracted, or we expect God to speak in a certain way. Unresolved sin can hinder our ability to hear Him. And we all have internal voices—be careful not to confuse them with God’s voice. If He is silent, it may be because we aren’t ready to hear. Silence can be a time of purification, preparing us to receive His words.
If you’re struggling, it’s okay to ask, “What’s the communication issue I’m having with You?”
Hearing God in Scripture
Scripture is a great place to hear from God. One approach is meditation, which differs from studying—it allows you to immerse yourself in the scene, using your senses to experience the text. As you engage with Scripture, notice what stands out to you. God may be speaking through those moments. It can help to look up the original meanings of words that seem unusual or confusing. Ask God questions about the passage, or write a prayer reflecting on what you’ve noticed. Writing slows our thoughts, making us more receptive to God’s guidance.
Hearing God in Prayer
Intercessory prayer is about aligning with the mind of Christ, which begins with humility. Instead of telling God what we want, we can ask for His perspective on each situation. As we listen and pray, we learn to discern His will.
It’s okay to express our needs and emotions to God—the Psalms are full of fear, anger, and even despair. But after releasing these feelings, the Psalmists often pivot to praise, remembering God’s goodness. Ask Him to help you pivot to seek His will.
Fasting can sharpen our ability to hear God, as it places us in a posture of surrender, setting aside something we desire to focus on Him.
Conclusion
Our retreat concluded with a reflective activity. Each woman wrote a letter to herself, capturing what God had revealed. We returned to our families filled with His grace and mercy, re-energized by new friendships, skills, and experiences. God is indeed good!
