You know, sometimes we all wonder the same thing. How can I really know when it is God speaking? Is this feeling me, or is it Him?
If you have ever wrestled with that, you are in the right place. This is not some mysterious thing for a select few. It is for everyone who wants to hear from Him. But a big part of hearing God is learning how to listen, because not every thought or feeling that comes to us is from Him.
The truth is, God is not silent. He is talking. A lot of the time, we are just not tuned in to the right frequency, or we have not learned how to tell His voice from the noise. So let us break it down, simple and clear, straight from the Bible, on how we can start recognizing His voice in our lives.
1. He Speaks Through the Bible
This is the foundation. God has given us His Word as the ultimate guidebook and love letter. It is His primary way of talking to us. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that all Scripture is God-breathed. It is literally His breath, His words, and it is useful for teaching, correcting, and training us. When you read the Bible, you are hearing from God. That verse that seems to light up on the page? That story that suddenly makes sense for your situation? That is Him speaking directly to you through His timeless truth.
Try this: Read the Bible daily. Do not just read it as a rulebook, but as the main way to know God’s heart. Ask, “What does this show me about You, God?”
How to know it’s Him: This is your number one test. God will never lead you to do something that goes against what is clearly written in His Word. Scripture is your essential filter for everything else you think you might be hearing.
2. He Speaks Through a Deep, Gut-Level Peace
When we are trying to make a decision, God often leads with a profound sense of peace that comes from His Spirit living in us. The Bible calls this the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding” in Philippians 4:7. Colossians 3:15 instructs us to let that peace of Christ act as an umpire in our hearts. When you are praying over a choice, pay attention to which path brings a settled, godly calm to your spirit, even if the circumstances are hard.
Try this: After you pray about a decision, get quiet and check your heart. Is there a deep, settled peace about one option, even if it is difficult? Or is there a nagging anxiety or confusion?
How to know it’s Him: God’s true guidance is consistently accompanied by His peace. A persistent feeling of turmoil or confusion can be a warning sign to pause, pray more, and seek clarity.
3. He Speaks Through the People Who Know Him
God never meant for us to figure everything out alone. He places us in a community for wisdom and confirmation. Proverbs 15:22 says that plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. When you believe God is leading you, it is wise to run it by mature, spiritually-grounded believers. These are people who know the Bible and know you.
Try this: Share what you believe God is saying with one or two trusted Christians. Ask them to pray about it and to see if they find biblical confirmation.
How to know it’s Him: Godly community is a necessary checkpoint. If those who walk closely with God have serious biblical concerns, pay close attention. He often uses them to protect us.
4. He Speaks Through the Things Happening Around You
God is sovereign over every detail. He can open doors no one can shut and shut doors no one can open, as we see in Revelation 3:7-8. While an open door is not always a “yes” from God, He absolutely uses circumstances to guide and redirect us. Look for patterns. Are you hearing the same scripture from different places? Did a random conversation answer a prayer?
Try this: Look at the opportunities and obstacles before you. Ask, “God, are You using this situation to show me something?”
How to know it’s Him: Circumstances alone can be misleading. But when God’s Word, your inner peace, and external circumstances all point in the same direction, it is a strong confirmation of His guidance.
5. He Speaks in That Quiet Thought That Will Not Go Away
We might expect a booming voice, but the Bible often shows God speaking in a “still, small voice,” as 1 Kings 19:12 tells us. This is where conversational prayer comes in. Prayer is not just us talking. It is about making space to listen. It is that gentle nudge to pray for someone or a clear idea for making peace.
Try this: After you speak in prayer, be intentionally silent for a few minutes. Keep a journal nearby. Write down any scriptures, persistent thoughts, or loving impressions that come to mind. That is often God starting a conversation.
How to know it’s Him: Does this “nudge” align with Scripture? Is it loving, pure, and consistent with God’s character? God’s voice brings clarity, not chronic confusion.
6. He Speaks Through the Holy Spirit’s Conviction
This is how God corrects us and keeps us close to Him. The Holy Spirit, who lives in you, is called the “Spirit of truth” in John 16:13. One of His jobs is to convict us. He spotlights a specific sin, attitude, or wrong direction so we can repent and get back on track. This feels loving and specific, and it is meant to restore you.
Try this: When you feel a holy discomfort about something, do not ignore it. Ask, “Spirit, are You showing me something I need to make right?”
How to know it’s Him: God’s conviction is specific and leads to repentance and freedom. The enemy’s condemnation is a general, shaming feeling that says you are a failure. Romans 8:1 says there is no condemnation for those in Christ. Know the difference.
7. Check the Fruit It Produces
This is a brilliant and biblical way to discern what is from God. Jesus said, “By their fruit you will recognize them” in Matthew 7:16. This applies to ideas, teachings, and personal leadings. Ask yourself: what happens if I follow this?
Try this: Look at the potential outcome. Does following this prompting produce the fruit of the Spirit? We are talking about more love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Does it draw you closer to God and others, or does it lead to confusion, division, or sin?
How to know it’s Him: A message from God will, over time, produce Christ-like character and godly results. If the “fruit” is bad, the “root” is not from God.
So, How Do You Start?
It begins with a simple prayer and a simple action. Talk to Him. Say, “God, I want to hear You. I am listening.” Then, open your Bible. Start in the Gospels, like the book of John. Read a little bit every day and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you through it. Get quiet for a minute after you pray. Just listen. Write down any thoughts or verses that come to mind. And find a good church where they teach the Bible faithfully, and connect with people there.
Hearing God’s voice is about relationship. It is a friendship. The more time you spend with someone, the easier it is to recognize their voice. It is the same with God. He is speaking. You can learn to hear Him.
A Prayer You Can Pray Right Now:
“God, I want to know Your voice. I believe You are speaking. Please help me to hear You. Quiet my heart and my thoughts. Help me to understand Your Word when I read it. Teach me to recognize Your peace. Lead me to wise people who can help. Open my eyes to see Your hand in my life. Tune my ears to Your gentle whispers. Convict me clearly when I need to change. And please, confirm Your words to me so I can follow You with my whole heart. Here I am. I am listening. In Jesus’s name.”
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