Faith: How do you hear Christ? Seek his word and direction in these troubling times

Scripture describes many instances in which God has spoken to man. Most of the Old Testament prophets spoke of hearing the voice of God. In the New Testament, the gospels reference two occasions on which witnesses heard God identify Jesus Christ as his beloved son. (Matthew 3:17, 17:5)

The first was at the time of Christ’s baptism. In the second instance, on the Mount of Transfiguration, God further directed Peter, James and John to “Hear him.” Similarly, when Joseph Smith saw God in a vision, the Father pointed to Jesus Christ and said, “This is my beloved son. Hear him!” (Joseph Smith — History 1:17)

What does it mean to “hear” Jesus Christ? Does it mean just to listen, or does it impel to action? The word hearken, which means to take heed and act accordingly, seems to more fully describe the desired behavior.

In February, Russell M Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, discussed the importance of listening to and hearing Jesus. Why do we need to hear him?

Jesus taught: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me.” (John 14:6) That is our answer.

President Nelson then asked, “How do you hear him?” He next challenged church members to give careful consideration to the question, and to then ask themselves, “How do I hear him?”

Over the past few months, thousands of people have asked themselves that question. Elder Neil L. Anderson summarized some of the many responses: “We hear him in our prayers, in our homes, in the scriptures, in our hymns, as we worthily partake of the sacrament, as we declare our faith, as we serve others, as we attend the temple.”

In April, President Nelson declared that the admonition to hear him is given to all of us. “We are to seek, in every way we can, to hear Jesus Christ, who speaks to us through the power and ministering of the Holy Ghost.”

“How do we hear him“ refers not only to the circumstances in which we hear him, but how we recognize the voice of the Lord. While the scriptures contain accounts of hearing a voice from heaven, or the appearance of an angel, such are not common. For most of us it is far more subtle and requires an open mind and heart.

Personal revelation, in time of sorrow, in answer to prayer, in time of danger or other circumstances, comes in different ways. For some it is a feeling of peace or comfort. Many have reported a strong impression directing them to do something. Others describe a burning in their bosom.

Inspiration comes while meditating or in quiet solitude. It may be through ideas or impressions to the mind, or in feelings of warm assurance.

Whether it is comforting, warning in time of crisis or testifying of truth, recognizing the spirit and hearing Jesus Christ is important. We can seek to increase our ability to receive and recognize personal revelation. It is available to all mankind if we make the effort and act in response to inspiration we receive.

We live in confusing, challenging times, with a great deal of uncertainty about what the future holds. Hearing Christ, seeking his word and direction for our lives, can bring us peace and assurance.

How do you hear him?