When I was younger I never understood when people said God, “spoke to them”. It seemed strange and unrealistic. I wondered: How could God talk to someone if He isn’t here physically on earth and doesn’t have an audible voice? But as I’ve gotten older I’ve realized God does speak to us — and often.

Music

One of the ways God speaks to me specifically is through everyday / non-spiritual music. Some days I’ll wake up with a random song stuck in my head, and for a long time I just brushed it off. Eventually I noticed there was usually something in the lyrics I needed in that moment — encouragement, clarity, preparation, or reassurance.

Dreams

Another way God speaks to me is through dreams. Not every dream carries meaning, but when I wake up from one that feels significant, I sit with it and I reflect. How did I feel? Where was I? Who was with me? What stood out? I’ll pray and ask God to reveal what it represents — orrr I’ll go down a Google rabbit hole on biblical symbolism (colors, numbers, locations, objects, etc.). When something resonates, I take note.

This book has been incredibly insightful for dream interpretation rooted in scripture: Exploring Your Dreams and Visions by James W. Goll

And then, there are “God Winks”

To me – these are subtle ways God confirms I’m on the right track. It’s usually something small, but personally meaningful. For years, I felt like God used butterflies to encourage me. I’d see a butterfly float by me right before I had a meeting that seemed significant, or I felt had purpose. Or I’d see a butterfly painted on a wall as I was sitting down to write, feeling the subject or timing was aligned. 

God-winks seem like a perfectly timed encouragement or unexpected sign that feel too intentional to ignore. It’s the kind of moment that makes you pause and think, Okay God… I see You. Thanks for the love and support.

Some God-wink examples:

• Seeing a meaningful sign — a number, object, animal, or symbol unique to you
• A song plays at the perfect moment and brings clarity or peace
• A conversation, podcast, or sermon discussing something you’ve been thinking of / praying about

People

And then there are people. If we were created in His image, wouldn’t it make sense that God uses people to speak into our lives? We can see this through the love, encouragement, and presence others show us.

For me, that’s through my spiritually strong mom. She’s the one who taught me how to recognize God’s voice. She’s been the encourager, the teacher, and the steady example of what it looks like to have a real relationship with Him. She built the foundation — and a lot of the time, God has used her voice to guide and ground me.

It also looks like my angel, soulmate best friend. She’s the safest place for me in human form. She’s intentional about understanding who I am, and she has the green light to speak truth or correction when I need it. There have been so many times where she’s said exactly what I needed to hear – exactly when I needed to hear it. It feels like God uses her *and our friendship* to speak life and love into my life consistently.

People are vessels… To sit with you in discomfort. Speak life into you. To inspire you through their actions, and remind you of what faith actually looks like. Yes, people are imperfect. But I do believe God uses imperfect people to reach, support, and guide each other in ways we wouldn’t be able to on our own.

The Closing

These are just a few ways God speaks to me but I’m sure there are so many other ways He speaks to others. Learning to hear His voice has been crucial for me. It’s taught me that I’m never navigating life alone — even when things feel uncertain or overwhelming. 

God doesn’t always speak in major moments; sometimes it’s subtle – through a song lyric, a conversation, or something seemingly ordinary that lands at the perfect time. If you’re in a season where you’re wondering where God is or what He’s saying, try slowing down and paying attention to the subtle things. He’s always talking — we just have to listen.

You might like: The Time I Got Fired & Heard God’s Voice