Have you ever wondered, “Am I hearing God, or is this just me?” Here are five tools to help you discern if you are hearing His voice.
It will Never Contradict the Scripture
The Holy Scripture is God’s word. It is our standard in relating to God, understanding God, and knowing His character and nature. When discerning God's voice, if we hear something contrary to God's character and nature revealed in scripture, we are not hearing God.
After the death of Moses, God commissions Joshua to become the next leader of Israel. In His commissioning statement, God declares this over Joshua:
Joshua 1:8: "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 good success."
It is non-negotiable to know the written word of God as we listen to his voice. We must be rooted and grounded in His Word in order to discern His voice.
Peace Over Fear
When we hear God’s voice and follow His leading, it will often require faith which can be scary or nerve-wracking; this is not the fear I am talking about. When we follow His voice and know it is Him, there will be peace that accompanies this voice.
Isaiah 26:3: You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.
Philippians 4:4-7: "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 but it will produce the exact opposite. God’s ways are best and he is the Prince of Peace!
Does it Bring Glory to God and Draw out Faith?
Does what you are hearing point you to Jesus? Does it make you lean into Him more, or does it make you prideful? Does it have the potential to further God's kingdom? Is it self-centered? Does it make much of you?
Just because you have heard God speak and call you to something doesn't mean it will be easy, but most often, it is the exact opposite. It will usually require great faith to step into what He is asking you to do. This is another sign that God is speaking to you. He wants to bring us to the end of ourselves so that He can move. That's why Paul states:
2 Corinthians 12:9-10: "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.”
There will be times when what the Lord is asking us requires an immense degree of faith, and we have to walk moment by moment, listening to His voice. These are challenging times, but incredibly rewarding as you walk in intimacy with the Lord and get to see Him move. Even in these times, the dominant sense in your heart will be peace.
Remember when you walk in what he is calling you to, it will bring glory to his name.
Does it Bear Good Fruit?
Sometimes, seeing the fruit of listening to God’s voice takes time. We don't always see the out-workings of God right away or the fruit of our obedience, but with time it will be evident.
John 15:16: "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, look for the fruit of your obedience.
Share with a Friend, Mentor or Leader
If you are wondering or doubting whether you have heard God, be sure to share it with a friend, leader, family member or pastor. I have a few friends I share with, including my wife, the things that I feel or sense from the Lord. It is always good to hear what those close to you think when you are unsure. Make sure that the individuals are mature in their faith and understand the Lord speaking.
Check out my latest book "Hear God's Voice: The Extraordinary Journey of Listening to God"
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