Has anyone ACTUALLY heard God "speak to your heart?"

[Sirach2]

I tend to watch videos or hear other christians talk about a dark point in their life, where God “spoke to their heart” and all was well again. I’ve been restraining myself from calling BS as of late.

That is a problem, since many evangelists constantly use the phrase, “God said to me” or similar words, giving the impression that God talks to these people on a regular basis - but not to us. Be assured, they do not hear an audible voice, which is the impression they leave us with.

God speaks very quietly and clearly when we really need His guidance. It will come in many forms, such as a strong inner impression. Perhaps a scripture will come to mind when we are least thinking about it, and this will give a sense of certainty and peace that it was from God. He often answers me in this way, and the verse is quite spot on and to the point of my petition. Of course, it always helps to be familiar with scripture.

We need to give Him time to prepare the answer for us, which is not always known immediately, but afterwards when the circumstances are brought to mind in a powerful way. For example,
I always puzzled why Jesus cursed the fig tree, when scripture said it was not the time for fruit. It took a long time, but when I finally had an opportunity to grow fruit trees, I remembered asking this of God, and the answer was right before my eyes.

He may send word via a messenger, such as a phone call, a visit, a message in a homily, a movie, all kinds of ways. When it is there, we will recognize it with a sense of assurance and praise for His faithfulness. Don’t discount these means as sheer coincidence, for often they are His wondrous ways of communicating with us.

 

[Mintaka]

Some people do get actual “locutions,” from God or the saints or their blessed dead, just like some people get visions of other extraordinary experiences. But most people get impressions or figure things out by reason of intuition.

Extraordinary experiences can be a help, or freaking scary, or a clue-by-four to the head. But generally it is not the experience that is important; it is what God is doing that you do not notice.

In general, people who do not have such experiences are people who have more capacity for faith, and thus do not need them as much. But nobody except God really seems to understand His rationale on this.

If you want to learn about discerning God’s will, studying saint’s lives and doing regular prayer (Including some quiet time of just waiting on God) will probably help.

 

[Sirach2]

Some people do get actual “locutions,” from God or the saints or their blessed dead, just like some people get visions of other extraordinary experiences. But most people get impressions or figure things out by reason of intuition.

I did not think it was wise to introduce our saints’ teachings on locutions to the OP, since he said does not hear from God. It would be premature to open that door, as he is not ready for it.

I agree that most people get “impressions.”

 

[observing]

Happy Easter Walterross.
First allow me to address your statement
“I suffer from depression and anxiety and sometimes beg God for help. If not help, at least to know he’s with me and is actually there.”
Knowing God is with you takes faith, real faith. It is believing in His promise “I will be with you always.” Since God doesn’t lie, rest assured that He is always with you and knows your deepest desires. That’s where “Thy will be done” comes in.
Secondly, I will share with you one memorable experience I had when I heard God’s voice in my heart. It was 1995 and my first grandchild had just been born. When my daughter called me from the hospital at 2 am she was hysterical. She had given birth to a 2lb baby girl. As God would have it, a nurse walked into my daughter’s room so our phone call ended. I couldn’t form word to pray. From the very depth of my heart I cried out to God. Then I heard these words, words I will never forget. “Whatever comes to you, comes through my hands first.”
After the next 2 scary months Jessica began to thrive. She is now 24 yrs old and the light of my life as are her two sisters.
Remember Walter, that no matter what you feel, the real truth is He is always with you. Going beyond your feelings you will find faith.

 

[njlisa]

St. Thérèse of Lisieux is considered the greatest saint of modern times. And she was declared a doctor of the church. Yet she wrote in her memoir, “Story of a Soul”:

The Teacher of teachers instructs without sound of words, and though I have never heard Him speak, yet I know He is within me, always guiding and inspiring me.

If St. Thérèse didn’t hear the voice of God, who are we to demand such a sign? God has many ways to speak to us. Just like the Prophet Elijah, we have to listen for a whisper.

 

[Anon7]

If St. Thérèse didn’t hear the voice of God, who are we to demand such a sign? God has many ways to speak to us. Just like the Prophet Elijah, we have to listen for a whisper.

This needs a round of applause :clap:t3::clap:t3::clap:t3::clap:t3::clap:t3:

 

[esieffe]

Yes. Right after my mother died, I went to confession as usual and was about to do the stations of the cross inside of the church, and selfishly I was going to apply the indulgence to myself. Right before I declared who the indulgence was to be for, I heard an internal voice say, “apply it to your mother, she needs it.”

Needless to say, I gave her the indulgence.

 

[Dorothy]

With regard to what you shared about praying for patience:

A retreat priest explained to us to ask the Lord to “Be our patience”.

The priest explained that if we ask for patience then He will give us things to practice patience. (we will always need patience).

Also, the priest told us to do that for many things such as:

Jesus be my sense of humor

Jesus be my love for others

etc.

 

[bmaz]

Once, loud and clear. I spent my whole life thinking I was nothing in the sight of God. My first child had many physical problems as a newborn. She cried non-stop, and I was up day and night with her. (some time later we discovered she was allergic to all food, that I was eating) Anyway, once after she fell asleep, I just held her, because it was a joy to hold her when she was peaceful and quiet. I looked at her and said, "By all rights, I should not like you, because my life is upended, but I love you so much, and so intensely, something I had never felt before. And when I said that, I heard God say, “That is how I love you, even more”. I sobbed, because that is the first time I realized God actually did love me.