Dialed In: How Spiritual Disciplines Tune Our Ears to God’s Voice (Part 2)

Tuned in. An old-school car radio locked on a clear station—reminding us God’s voice is constant; it’s our dial that drifts.

Tuning the Dial: A Simple Rhythm That Works

Think of these as movements on the radio dial—small, steady adjustments that keep you centered on the station.

1) Open the Word First

Start your day with Scripture before screens. Read a short passage; ask three simple questions:

• Observe: What does it say?

• Interpret: What does it mean in context?

• Apply: How will I live this today?

Close with, “Lord, is there anything You want to highlight?” (Psalm 119:105; Romans 12:2).

2) Practice a Daily Minute of Stillness (3×/day)

Morning, midday, evening: one unhurried minute to breathe, be silent, and pray, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). You’ll be surprised how quickly static fades when you regularly lower the volume.

3) Name and Clear Interference

Keep a short list with two columns: Noise and Next Step.

• Noise: “Doomscrolling before bed.”

• Next Step: “Phone in another room after 9 p.m.”Confession clears static; repentance keeps it clear (1 John 1:9).

4) Invite Wise Voices

Share what you think you’re hearing with a mature believer or small group. Ask for Scripture-based feedback. God’s guidance never contradicts His Word, and the Body helps us test impressions (Proverbs 15:22).

5) Do the Last Clear Thing

If you’re unsure about the next step, faithfully do the last thing God made clear—call the person, forgive the debt, show up to serve. Obedience sharpens discernment (John 7:17).

A 7-Day “Re-Tune” Plan

Use this when life feels fuzzy or you sense you’ve slid off-station.

Day 1 – ResetRead Psalm 139:23–24. Ask God to search your heart. Write down any interference He shows you.

Day 2 – WordRead John 10. Underline every phrase about hearing, following, and knowing Jesus’ voice.

Day 3 – SilenceTake 10 minutes of quiet. No music. No agenda. Just “Be still” (Psalm 46:10). Jot any impressions and compare them with Scripture.

Day 4 – PrayerPray Philippians 4:6–7 through your top three anxieties. Hand them over. Ask for guidance on one specific decision.

Day 5 – CommunityShare what you’re sensing with a trusted believer. Invite honest counsel and Scripture.

Day 6 – ObedienceChoose one concrete step to obey today—apologize, give, serve, or set a boundary.

Day 7 – Worship & Sabbath SpaceGather with the church. Sing, listen, receive. Create an hour of unhurried rest and gratitude.

Repeat as needed. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s staying near the frequency.

Sorting the Signal From the Static

“How do I know it’s God and not just me?”

• Alignment: Does it align with Scripture and the character of Jesus? (John 14:26; 16:13–14)

• Trajectory: Does it promote love, holiness, humility, and the good of others? (Galatians 5:22–23)

• Community: Do wise believers confirm it?

• Peace: Not the absence of challenge, but the settled assurance that comes with God’s nearness (Colossians 3:15).

• Consistency: If you keep hearing the same call over time through the Word, prayer, and counsel, pay attention.

If any of these fail—especially alignment with Scripture—treat it as static, not signal.

When the Dial Slips

Remember: you’re not chasing a distant tower—you’re learning to listen to the Resident within. Seasons of grief, change, or temptation can make everything feel fuzzy, but He hasn’t left. And the dial doesn’t drift by itself; we move it. Don’t panic. Return to the basics. Confess what’s clogging the line, open the Word, sit in silence, invite wise voices, and obey the last clear thing. The Spirit delights to make Jesus’ voice distinct to the sheep who keep tuning in (John 10:27; John 16:13–14).

A Simple Prayer

Father, I want to hear You.Lower the volume of my life and the noise in my heart.Tune me by Your Word, steady me in prayer,surround me with Your people, and lead me to obey.Thank You that Your Spirit lives in me—the frequency hasn’t moved, so help me re-tune.Speak, Lord—your servant is listening. Amen.

The old radios weren’t fancy, but when you found the station, the whole car filled with music. That’s the invitation. Not a life without noise, but a life where the signal of God’s presence and guidance is strong enough to rise above it. Keep your hand on the dial. Keep your heart in His hands. And keep tuning in.