Learning to Listen: When Logic Gets in the Way of Faith
I often find myself to be a rational and logical person. I evaluate situations, weigh the pros and cons, and look for certainty before I act. In many ways, this isn’t a bad thing—God created our minds with the ability to reason and think critically. But I’m learning something profound: our hearts were designed to simply believe in the Lord.
Our heads are trained to evaluate. We look for perfection—for the plan that makes the most sense or the path that feels the safest. But how often does this focus on certainty prevent us from hearing the still, small voice of God?
In 1 Kings 19:12, Elijah hears God, not in a great wind or an earthquake, but in a gentle whisper. The Spirit of God often speaks to us in ways that are easy to miss when we rely solely on our minds.
We look for obvious signs, but God nudges us gently.
We wait for the perfect moment, but God is already speaking.
We overthink, analyze, and delay while His Spirit softly calls us forward.
How often do we miss His voice because we’re listening to our own thoughts instead?
God has given each of us a gift—an emotional sensitivity that allows us to perceive His leading. Some might call it “gut instinct,” but I believe it’s more than that. It’s the impression of God’s Spirit, the quiet “knowing” that aligns with His Word and His ways. It’s that moment when you feel a nudge to pray for someone, speak a word of encouragement, or step out in faith—before all the details make sense.
This is a supernatural gift. It’s divine information strategically placed within us by God. He designed us to live connected to Him, sensitive to His Spirit and aware of His presence.
The question is not, “Is God speaking?” He is always speaking—through His Word, His Spirit, and the circumstances around us. The real question is:
Are we listening?
And if we are listening, what are we doing with what He’s saying?
As someone who leans toward logic, I’ve realized that my faith requires a shift:
From overthinking to trusting.
From waiting for perfection to walking in obedience.
From evaluating with my mind to believing with my heart.
Faith doesn’t always make sense to our logical minds. It requires us to step into the unknown, to believe in God’s goodness, and to trust that His Spirit is leading us—even when we can’t see the outcome.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
So, how do we quiet our minds and tune our hearts to God’s voice?
Slow Down: We live in a noisy world. God’s “still small voice” is often drowned out by busyness and distractions. Take intentional time to slow down, pray, and listen.
Trust Your Spirit’s Sensitivity: That “gut feeling” you have might just be the Spirit prompting you. Does it align with Scripture? Is it leading you toward love, grace, and truth? Pay attention.
Act on What You Hear: Listening to God requires action. If you sense God leading you to do something—pray for someone, share your faith, or take a step of faith—do it. Faith grows when we act in obedience, even when we don’t understand.
Surrender Control: Logic likes control, but faith requires surrender. Trust that God’s ways are higher than yours, and His plans are perfect—even when they don’t make sense.
God is inviting us to listen—not with ears tuned to perfection or minds demanding certainty, but with hearts open to His leading. When we quiet our thoughts and listen for His voice, we discover the supernatural gifts He’s prepared for us: peace in the unknown, direction in confusion, and purpose in obedience.
You don’t have to understand everything. You just have to trust the One who does.
“You are enough, Lord. When I have You, I don’t need to understand. I will praise You, follow You, and trust You—regardless.”
“Lord, quiet the noise in my mind and open my heart to Your still, small voice. Teach me to trust You, to believe You, and to follow where You lead. I surrender my desire for control and certainty, and I choose to listen in faith. You are enough, Lord, and I will trust Your plans. Amen.”
What is God saying to you today? Are you listening? Let’s stop waiting for perfection and start trusting the One who speaks life into our hearts.
