5 Ways the Holy Spirit Leads Us
By Lynette Kittle
“He tells them, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.” – John 14:16
How do we hear from God? For many, we aren’t expecting or waiting to hear from Him because we don't believe He will, or even wants to communicate directly with us.
But Jesus, who walked this world and personally spoke to the masses, tells us repeatedly that He is not leaving us alone but sending us a helper, the Holy Spirit, who will continue to lead us, like He did with those who walked with Him on earth.
Jesus explained in John 14:26, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Following are five ways the Holy Spirit leads us.
1. Through God’s Word
Foremost, the Holy Spirit talks to us through God’s Word, yet it often seems like it’s the last place many Christians turn to hear His voice. Although they’ll look for Him to talk to them through a song or a passing billboard, turning to His Word seems like a last resort for them.
Still, not only does the Holy Spirit speak through it, but He inspired it, every word. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains how “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
As well, the Holy Spirit actively speaks to us now, through it. Hebrew 4:12 describes “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
2. Through His Voice
Hebrews 3:7 teaches that we can hear His voice leading us, saying, “So, as the Holy Spirit says:
“Today, if you hear His voice.”
For most, this is an inward hearing of the Holy Spirit’s voice, speaking to our hearts, but nevertheless, He is speaking to us, teaching us and reminding us of everything Jesus told us.
In John 16:13-14, Jesus assures us that the Holy Spirit speaks to us. “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify Me because it is from Me that He will receive what He will make known to you.”
As Romans 8:16 assures, “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
3. Through Prayer
Prayer is not just us praying to God, but also about letting the Holy Spirit lead us in how to pray. Romans 8:26 explains how, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
As well, Ephesians 6:18, urges us, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
4. Through Godly Counsel
The Holy Spirit leads us through godly counsel, whether through trusted, godly individuals we talk to who are led by Him, or by directly leading us. Psalm 16:7 describes how “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.”
Sometimes He speaks to us through other Christians and even at times, through dreams, while we’re sleeping, when He has our full and uninterrupted attention.
5. Through Nature
Many individuals have been led to God, through observing and experiencing nature, seeing His handiwork, and gaining understanding that there is a Creator who designed and formed it all.
Romans 1:20 describes how “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
Following the Holy Spirit’s Leading
Still, it can be confusing to many believers how and which person of the Triune God is leading them. The answer is, all three in One, they are three distinct persons yet unified in speaking to us.
On earth, Jesus spoke what the Father was speaking to Him (John 14:31), and the Holy Spirit comes from the Father, speaking to us what Jesus said. In John 15:26, Jesus explains, “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—He will testify about Me.”
Intersecting Faith & Life: Ask God to help you see how the Holy Spirit is leading you, to impress upon your heart when He is speaking to you, and to open your ears to hear His voice.
Further Reading: A God Who Doesn’t Ever Leave Us
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Zbynek Pospisil
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
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