Have you ever wondered, Am I hearing God? In a world filled with many voices, it can be difficult to know whether we are truly hearing God, simply imagining things, or just following our desires. Are these thoughts from God, or are they the voices of the world?
Here are five tools to help you discern if you are hearing His voice:
1) It Will Never Contradict Scripture
Holy Scripture is God’s Word. It is our standard for relating to Him, understanding His character, and knowing His nature. When discerning God’s voice, if we hear something that contradicts His character and nature as revealed in Scripture, we can be certain it is not from Him.
After the death of Moses, God commissioned Joshua as the next leader of Israel. In His commissioning statement, God declared: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. (Joshua 1:8). It is non-negotiable to know the written Word of God as we seek to hear His voice.
2) Peace Over Fear
When we hear God’s voice and follow His leading, it often requires faith, which can be nerve-wracking. However, this is not the kind of fear we are talking about. When God speaks, His voice brings peace, even in uncertainty.
Isaiah 26:3 says: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.”
Likewise, Philippians 4:4-7 reminds us: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
God’s voice never produces fear. It produces the opposite. His ways are best, and He is the Prince of Peace!
3) Does It Bring Glory to God and Draw Out Faith?
Does what you are hearing point you to Jesus? Does it cause you to lean into Him more, or does it make you prideful? Does it further God’s kingdom, or is it self-centred? Does it exalt Him or make much of you?
Hearing from God does not mean the journey will be easy. It often requires great faith. God frequently calls us beyond our strength so that we learn to rely on Him. This is why Paul says: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Following God’s voice often requires us to trust Him moment by moment. These seasons can be challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding as we grow in intimacy with the Lord and witness His power at work. Even in uncertainty, His peace will be our anchor. When you walk in obedience to His calling, it will bring glory to His name.
4) Does It Bear Good Fruit?
Sometimes, the fruit of listening to God’s voice takes time to become visible. We don’t always see the immediate results of obedience, but over time, the evidence of His work will be clear.
John 15:16 says: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
As you follow His voice, pay attention to the fruit that comes from obedience.
5) Share with a Friend, Mentor, or Leader
If you are unsure whether you have heard God, share your thoughts with a trusted friend, mentor, family member, or pastor. I have a few friends with whom I share what I sense from the Lord, including my wife. Seeking wise counsel can provide clarity and confirmation. However, ensure that those you seek guidance from are mature in their faith and able to discern whether what you are hearing aligns with God’s Word.
