Hearing God by Dallas Willard delves into the intimate and complex ways God speaks with humanity. The book provides a doorway into understanding that hearing God isn’t an exclusive privilege for a select group of individuals, but rather, a natural occurrence as human beings are made for relationships. Willard prompts every believer to expect and pursue God’s divine communication, leaving them with the truth that they belong in God’s perfect narrative. This message resonates with me; the absence of hearing God does not reflect a lack of faith. Instead, Willard reminds readers of the reality that encountering God can be experienced in a multitude of ways and is not bound by our expectations.

One of the greatest freedoms of this concept is the truth that God desires to be in a conversational relationship with us. Willard reminds me that prayer should be a two-way conversation, not a monologue. This understanding transforms the way I approach prayer. I am working on the discipline of not only speaking to God but also stopping to hear His voice.

Another significant observation of the book is the importance of remaining with God. Willard asserts the importance of remaining with God so that our heart’s desires align with His.  This desire alignment transforms our approach towards scripture and prayer. Our relationship with God becomes more intimate, and our ability to recognize His voice in our lives becomes enhanced.

As we navigate the different voices we may hear, we need to practice discernment. This not only equips us with the knowledge of His voice in prayer and scripture but also the ordinary, everyday moments of life. By intentionally listening to His voice, we can discern His hand in our lives, working in all circumstances, both troubles and joys. Discernment then provides us with the trust to obey His whisper. The more we practice this watchfulness, the more our lives can be shaped by His will.

Eric Johnson has also enriched my view of the love of God. Johnson asked the thought-provoking question,

Why does a sovereign God, who does not need humanity, desire friendship with us?

This question beautifully illustrates the heart of God, His deep love, and his desire for a personal and intimate relationship with us.

Ultimately, Hearing God reminds us of the truth that God’s unshakeable love stirs us towards pursuing Him in every circumstance, giving birth to a greater sense of security and relationship. With every step of our journey on this earth, Willard’s teachings challenge us to learn a heart of listening and be open to the many ways God can speak with us. His voice can be gentle and subtle, calling us into a relationship. With this journey, we find that hearing God isn’t a single occurrence but rather a way of being, transforming our hearts and minds and drawing us into a greater understanding of His purpose and will for our lives.

Laci Harkins
Class XIX