<em>This is the third of a four part series on How To Know We’re Hearing From God.</em>

<strong>God often reveals and/or confirms personal messages to us through Scripture. </strong> This is no accident or an incident of good luck.  Remember that God will make certain that we know when we are hearing from Him/Her if we are willing to listen.

I’m still leery at times that I might locate a portion of Scripture telling me what I want to hear, and I’ll convince myself this is God’s answer to my problem or question.  So how can we be certain that what we read is God speaking to us?

Here are several ways God responds to us through the Bible:

A benefit of memorizing Bible verses is sometimes one will come to mind just when we need it.  I’m dreadful at remembering where verses are, but am grateful my evangelical upbringing emphasized Scripture memorization, because when I suddenly remember a verse that really helps at the moment, I know God made that happen.

A shocking way God can get our attention is through a <em>rhema</em>.  Have you ever been reading a passage in the Bible, and suddenly it jumps off the page like it was written in neon?  It might be something you’ve read many times before, but now it’s relevant to your situation, and you know God’s trying to get your attention.  That’s a <em>rhema</em> – a Greek word that means “a specific word about a specific thing”.

Then there are times when God’s voice to us through Scripture can change our lives forever.  One of the most meaningful conversations I’ve ever had with God was several years ago when I was deeply depressed, filled with low self-esteem, wondering if the darkness I was in would ever end.  I kept crying out to God for help, but heard nothing in reply, and felt abandoned by the One I needed the most.

So I picked up my Bible and started turning pages in Isaiah.  All at once, God spoke with clarity and compassion into my heart.  I crumpled, sobbing, knowing He had heard my silent cries, and answered me with words I desperately needed to hear.
<blockquote>I have chosen you and not rejected you.

Do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,

Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.   Isaiah 41:9-10 (NAS)

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name; you are Mine!

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,

Nor will the flame burn you.

For I am the Lord your God,

The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

You are precious in My sight;

You are honored and I love you.   Isaiah 43:1-4 (NAS)</blockquote>
God loves and wants me just like I am.  I’m not alone in the dark, and God will help me get through it.  In the midst of my despair, my Mama/Daddy God reassured me that I matter very much.  My true identity is Chosen, Strong, Precious, Honored, and Loved by God.

I have no clue how I found these verses; it was like the verses found me.  Ever since that day, I have read them many times, because I struggle with depression, and I’m drawn to them whenever I need help hanging on.

I know for a fact that God sometimes brings certain Scriptures to mind exactly when we need them.  Other times, God leads us to what He or She wants us to hear.  The Bible is a resource through which God can engage in conversations with us.