We were made for relationship and relationships require communication. But living in constant communication with God is not always easy.

Can you recall a time when you felt God was silent in your life? How did you respond and what did you learn from that experience?

Don’t assume God’s silence is the same as his absence.

O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? 2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand? 3 Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. —Psalm 13:1–3 (NLT)

What do you hear in this verse? Have you felt that way?

Am I even expecting to hear from God?

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. —Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

In what ways are you actively seeking to hear God?
How can our expectations and desires affect our ability to hear from God?

Am I too distracted to listen well?

The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. —Luke 8:14 (NIV)

What things in your life are distracting you from hearing well?

Am I ignoring His word in another area of my life?

He asked the Lord what he should do, but the Lord refused to answer him, either by dreams or by sacred lots or by the prophets. —1 Samuel 28:6 (NLT)

How might God be using silence as a means to convict us of our sin?

Am I only wanting to listen for what I want to hear?

My God, I want to do what you want. —Psalm 40:8 (NCV)

We can develop selective hearing by only listening to what we want to hear or by only praying when we need something.

Why are we often guilty of only praying when we feel a need?

Am I willing to listen for as long as it takes?

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. —Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

Why is patience required when it comes to listening to God?
What is one of your biggest take aways from this series?