God has given us ways to communicate with him and hear from him. He has given us his Word, the Bible, in which He reveals his will for our lives. By reading, studying and meditating on the Word, we can discern God’s will (2 Timothy 3:15-16). God has also given us prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). When we lift up our hearts in prayer, we are able to share our thoughts, desires and worries with God (Philippians 4:6). Often, God will answer our prayers through his Word. When we take the time to read the Bible, the Holy Spirit will make verses stand out to us. Or God will answer prayer through other people, or through events in our lives.
Prepared to wait on him
Sometimes God may seem to be silent. This can be because God chooses to not instantly answer your prayer. God wants us to be prepared to wait on him (Psalm 27:14). He wants us to trust him completely and also trust his timing completely (Proverbs 3:5-6). He is not like a computer that comes up with the answer right after you have entered the question. God is a Person, who wants a personal relationship with every believer. He is also a sovereign God. No one can force him to keep to a certain timetable (Isaiah 40:13-14).
Not hearing him
God may actually be speaking but you may not hear him. If your life is cluttered with too many activities and you do not take the time to listen to God, you will become deaf to his voice. God’s voice is soft (1 Kings 19:12-13); you hear it best when you shut out other noises (Matthew 6:6).
Search your life and your heart
God may be silent because you have allowed sin to enter our lives. Search your life and your heart. Are there things that are not according to God’s will (Psalm 139:23-24)? Or are you in a relationship that you should not be in? Maybe you are being unfaithful with money? Are you harboring bitterness, or greed, or envy (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Ephesians 5:3-5)? Be prepared to let the bright light of the Holy Spirit shine in your heart (Ephesians 5:12-14). Prepare yourself to confess your sins and be cleansed (1 John 1:9). Be prepared to turn your back on everything that hinders you to live closely to God (Hebrews 12:1).
Do not grieve the Spirit
The Bible says: do not grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). You can grieve the Holy Spirit by persisting in sinful behavior, or simply by not taking the time to be with God. Strive to live your life in step with the Holy Spirit. Tune in daily to his soft voice, by taking the time to meditate on the Word, listening to good sermons or reading good books. Learn to be still before God and you will be able to hear his voice more clearly and more often (Psalm 46:10).