THE HOLY SPIRIT IS SPEAKING
“The Spirit of the LORD speaks by me; his word is on my tongue.” —2 Samuel 23:2
DEVOTION
My wife and I recently had the honor of counseling several couples preparing for marriage. One phrase we consistently emphasized was, “Communication is key.”
Often, the difference between a thriving relationship and a merely surviving relationship is the ability to communicate effectively.
The same principle applies to our relationship with God. The good news is that our God is a God who speaks.
He has given us a sixty-six-book library—the Bible—filled with His wisdom, promises, instruction, and the good news of the gospel. But God has not only given us His Holy Scriptures; He has also given us His Holy Spirit.
When seeking to understand who the Holy Spirit is, it is important to know that He is speaking.
King David knew what it was like for the Spirit of God to speak to him and through him:
“The Spirit of the LORD speaks by me; his word is on my tongue.”
Throughout Scripture, we see the Holy Spirit speaking to and directing God’s people. He told Philip to approach the Ethiopian’s chariot (Acts 8:29). He instructed the church at Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul for ministry (Acts 13:2). He guided Paul and his companions as they carried the gospel into new territory (Acts 16:6–10).
The writer of Hebrews brings the Spirit’s voice into the present tense:
“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…’”
—Hebrews 3:7–8
The Holy Spirit is speaking today just as He always has.
Every time we open the Bible, God is communicating with us. The Holy Spirit inspired the written Word, illuminates our understanding of it, and applies its truth to our lives.
Paul calls God’s Word “the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17). When the enemy attacks with lies, fear, temptation, or condemnation, the Spirit brings the truth of Scripture to our hearts. His Word exposes deception, renews our minds, and helps us stand firm.
The Holy Spirit may also guide us through prayer, godly counsel, circumstances, or an inner conviction—but He will never contradict the written Word He inspired. The more deeply we know Scripture and walk closely with God, the better equipped we are to recognize His leading.
As Henry Blackaby writes, “Knowing God’s voice comes from an intimate love relationship with God.”
The question is not simply, “Is the Holy Spirit speaking?” The question is, “Are we listening—and are we willing to obey?”
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, thank You for speaking through Your Word and guiding me into truth. Quiet the competing voices in my life and help me recognize Your leading. Give me a heart that listens and the courage to obey what You say. Speak, Lord—Your servant is listening. In Jesus’ name, amen.
NEXT STEP
Set aside time today, open your Bible to the Proverb chapter that corresponds with the day of the month and ask, “Holy Spirit, what are You saying to me through Your Word?” Write down what stands out and identify one specific step of obedience you can take today.
