Today we're talking about a question that so many believers wrestle with. Is this God's voice or just my own thoughts and emotions? This is a real struggle and it's something I call spiritual OCD. Sometimes we overanalyze every thought that comes into our minds, obsessively wondering if it's God, ourselves or even a spiritual enemy.
And this can lead to spiritual exhaustion fear and confusion. The Bible tells us we can know the voice of the Holy Spirit. In John 10 27 Jesus says, My sheep hear my voice. So as God's children we do have the capacity to discern his voice.
Today we're going to look at how we can distinguish God's voice from all the other voices that come into our minds. by identifying some key characteristics of the Holy Spirit's guidance. These insights will give us confidence, peace and clarity as we walk in the Spirit.
One of the surest signs of God's voice is its stability and consistency. God's nature is unchanging, which is reflected in the reliability of his words to us. Isaiah 48 states, The grass withers and the flowers fall. But the word of our God endures forever.
This scripture paints a powerful contrast. While the natural world changes, God's voice remains steadfast. This stability provides an anchor for us, especially in times of doubt or transition, reminding us that he is the same yesterday, today and forever. Now think about our own thoughts and emotions.
They can be as changeable as the weather. When facing stressful situations, our feelings may swing from hope to despair, optimism to fear, making it hard to feel grounded. But God's voice brings clarity, not confusion, and calls us to peace, even when life feels chaotic. For instance, when we read about God's interactions with biblical figures like Moses or David, we see a consistency in his character. His promises and commands align with his eternal nature, revealing his faithfulness and unwavering purpose.
Moses heard God's voice through the burning bush and was given the task of leading Israel. God consistently reassured him and was patient with Moses'insecurities, showing that he doesn't rush or change his expectations on a whim. In contrast, our own thoughts are often colored by our fluctuating emotions.
We might feel led to make a big life change one day, only to feel hesitant or doubtful the next. This instability can be particularly confusing when we're trying to follow God's will. However, when God speaks, he doesn't contradict himself or leave us feeling disoriented.
James 1 verses 5 to 6 tells us that when we ask for wisdom, We should not doubt because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea blown and tossed by the wind. God's words provide a solid foundation upon which to stand, enabling us to make decisions confidently without feeling tossed around by every passing thought or emotion. When discerning if a thought or instruction is from God, ask yourself, Is this consistent with what I know of his character and his word? If what you're hearing contradicts the truth in scripture or changes based on your emotions, it is likely not from God. A common way this manifests is in feelings about calling or purpose.
Someone may feel one day that they're called to missionary work, only to later feel that they should instead pursue a completely unrelated path. God can certainly guide us into different seasons, but he does so in a way that aligns with his stable and loving character, not in a manner that leads to confusion. If you're seeking God's guidance, start by grounding yourself in his promises. Find scriptures that relate to your situation and meditate on them, allowing his consistent truth to bring clarity.
God's voice is always in alignment with the rest of his word. providing confirmation and peace rather than instability or hesitation. Ultimately, God's voice will reveal His unchanging truth. nature, his unwavering faithfulness, and his steadfast love.
Psalm 23 beautifully describes God as our shepherd, one who leads me beside quiet waters. This image of a shepherd guiding his sheep reveals much about the nature of God's voice. Unlike a voice that pressures, rushes, or overwhelms, God's voice gently guides us with wisdom and peace.
When God speaks, he doesn't push us into action through anxiety or fear. Rather, he draws us to follow him willingly. It's worth noting that there are instances when the Holy Spirit speaks with urgency, like in situations of immediate danger.
For instance, the Apostle Paul, when prevented by the Spirit from entering certain regions, Acts 16 verses 6 to 7. experienced a direct redirection that required him to be alert to the Spirit's guidance. However, these moments are the exception rather than the rule. Generally, God's voice is one of patient guidance. He allows us time to respond, to seek counsel, and to act with clarity. The enemy, on the other hand, loves to stir up a sense of urgency or panic.
The voice of the devil often sounds pushy. driving us to make hasty decisions that may lead to regret or confusion. For instance, when the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Matthew 4, he pressed him with challenges that would push Jesus to act out of impulse or pride.
Jesus, however, responded with the calm assurance that comes from being rooted in God's truth, resisting the push and waiting on God's timing. Our own voice, fueled by fear or insecurity, can also push us into making impulsive decisions. When we act out of fear, fear of missing out, fear of making mistakes, or fear of disapproval, our decisions are often misguided. Proverbs 3 verses 5 to 6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. A reminder to let God's voice lead.
rather than our own fears or pressures. When discerning God's guidance, ask yourself, is this voice guiding me peacefully or is it pushing me anxiously? A key difference between God's guidance and the enemy's lies is the sense of peace that accompanies God's voice. If you feel pressured to make a quick decision, without time to think, pray or seek wise counsel, take a step back.
God's guidance will always give room for confirmation and clarity. God's voice also doesn't depend on frantic action to be effective. He's not in a hurry and his timing is perfect.
When faced with decisions, cultivate a habit of waiting and praying for clarity. If you feel that God is leading you, ask him to confirm it in scripture, through trusted counsel or by a peace that surpasses. Understanding Philippians 4.7 The Holy Spirit guides us step by step without creating unnecessary tension. As we learn to wait and listen, we'll find that God's voice is not forceful, but is steady, reliable, and comforting.
One of the most reliable ways to discern if we're hearing from God is to compare the message to Scripture. Numbers 23.19 says, God is not human. that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. This tells us that God's voice will never ask us to act against what he has already spoken through his word. When God speaks, his voice reflects his truth, aligning perfectly with the Bible's teachings and principles.
God's voice is reliable because it's based on his unchanging word. In practical terms, this means that If we're feeling led to do something that goes against clear biblical teachings, we can confidently know it's not from God. Our own desires, the influence of culture, or even the enemy may suggest actions that compromise scriptural truth, but God's voice will always uphold the truth of his word.
Jesus set an example for us in the wilderness when tempted by the devil, rather than engaging in debate. He responded with, It is written, Matthew 4, affirming the power of God's word. as a clear, unchanging authority. Our minds are fallible and can lead us astray, especially when we're in emotionally charged situations.
When feelings are intense, whether it's excitement, anger or fear, we may feel certain that we're hearing from God because our emotions are so strong. But strength of feeling is not a substitute for biblical confirmation. If we're facing an important decision or even a challenging time in our faith, it's essential to check our thoughts and ideas against the Word.
Ask yourself, does this line up with Scripture? If a voice is urging you towards something that would require you to compromise your values, act dishonestly, or take a path of compromise, you can be sure it's not from God. The Bible is clear that God will never endorse sin, shortcuts, or anything that compromises His standards of holiness and integrity. God's voice always calls us higher, never down.
He will not lead us in a way that contradicts His nature or His commands. Our culture today often encourages self-gratification and moral relativism, but these messages Do not align with God's truth. When you're faced with the decision or sense that God is speaking, seek out scriptures that apply to the situation and ask yourself if the voice aligns with what God has already spoken.
God's word is the anchor of truth that keeps us grounded, providing clarity and direction. Another distinguishing mark of God's voice is that it speaks from a place of peace. Even when God convicts us or brings a challenging word, His voice is marked by a peace that reassures us. 1 John 4.18 tells us, There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.
While the Holy Spirit may lead us into uncomfortable or humbling truths, He does so in a way that gives us inner peace, not anxiety or dread. Often we might feel nervous or apprehensive when God is calling us to take a leap of faith. But these feelings are different from the sense of torment or fear that comes from our own minds or the enemy. God's voice is gentle and comforting, never chaotic or fear-inducing. Even in moments of correction or rebuke, God's voice brings a sense of peace.
Hebrews 12.11 says, No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. This verse assures us that even in correction, God's voice leads us toward peace, not shame or condemnation. If we're experiencing turmoil, self-doubt, or fear, we're likely listening to our own insecurities. or the enemy's lies.
The enemy loves to stir up fear and shame, making us feel inadequate or hopeless. But God's voice speaks from a place of love, peace, and encouragement, inviting us to draw near to him rather than running away. When discerning if you're hearing from God, ask yourself, is there a peace at the core of this message?
You may feel nervous or convicted, but the presence of God's peace will always confirm his leading. If a thought is leaving you in a state of panic, condemnation, or confusion, it is likely not from God. His Spirit brings peace that surpasses all understanding, even when he calls us to make challenging changes or to repent from sin.
God's peace is the marker of his presence, a yes from the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, Peace I leave with you my peace I give you, John 14 27. That peace does not mean every decision will be easy, but it does mean that even in difficulty you'll have a core assurance that he is with you, guiding and upholding you. One of the clearest ways to recognize God's voice is by its affirmation of our identity in him. God's voice builds us up, reminds us who we are in Christ, and reassures us of his unchanging love. Romans 8 verses 15 to 16 beautifully illustrates this.
you received does not make you slaves so that you live in fear again. Rather, the spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, Abba, Father. The spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. When God speaks, there is no uncertainty about where we stand with him.
His voice is filled with love, stability, and conviction. inviting us to live confidently as his beloved children. In contrast, the voice of the enemy always aims to distort our identity.
This is a tactic he has used since the beginning, as seen in Genesis 3, where the serpent led Eve to question God's word and doubt his goodness. Satan uses subtle lies to create doubt, insecurity and confusion. When he tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he started by questioning Jesus'identity, saying, If you are the Son of God, Matthew 4.3. But Jesus, rooted in his identity and in the truth of God's word, responded with scripture each time, refusing to be swayed.
Our own thoughts can also create doubt about our identity, particularly when we focus too much on our weaknesses. failures or inadequacies. We may question whether God truly loves us or if we're good enough for him.
But this is not the voice of the Holy Spirit. While the Spirit may convict us of sin and call us to repentance, he does so in a way that lovingly draws us back to God. He corrects us without tearing us down or questioning our place in God's family. Hebrews 12.6 1. reminds us the Lord disciplines the one he loves and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. When God corrects us, it's from a place of love intended to build us up, not tear us down.
When discerning if a thought is from God, ask yourself, does this affirm my identity as a child of God? If a voice is leaving you feeling condemned, unworthy, or questioning your place in God's family, It is likely not from him. Condemnation and shame are the enemy's tools, used to drive a wedge between us and our Heavenly Father.
Conviction, on the other hand, is a loving call to change that brings us closer to God and reaffirms his love for us. This discernment process is crucial in today's world, where we're constantly bombarded with messages that cause us to question our worth. Social media, societal expectations, and even well-meaning friends can create doubt and insecurity. However, God's voice cuts through the noise with truth, affirming that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, Psalm 139.14, and reminding us of our purpose in Him.
If you're struggling with doubts about your value, Remember that God's voice will always bring clarity and reassurance. He will remind you that you are loved, chosen, and held by Him. Meditate on scriptures that affirm your identity in Christ, such as Ephesians 1 verses 4 to 5, which tells us that we are chosen and adopted by God, and 1 Peter 2.9, which reminds us that we are a royal priesthood, called to declare His praises.
This foundation in truth helps us resist the enemy's lies and remain secure in our God-given identity. In our daily lives we encounter a variety of voices that can shape our decisions, beliefs and sense of direction. Broadly these voices fall into four categories, self, satan, secular and spirit. Romans 12 2 urges us to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. so we can discern God's will and separate his voice from the others.
By identifying these four voices, we gain clarity on when God is speaking and learn to filter out distractions and lies that can mislead us. 1. The voice of self. The voice of self is often shaped by our desires, fears and insecurities.
While our personal thoughts can be valuable, They are often influenced by past experiences, emotions or cultural pressures, which can sometimes distort our perspective. For example, You may feel led to pursue a career path because it promises security or approval, but is that really God's call for you? Proverbs 14.12 reminds us that there is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
Our own reasoning can sometimes lead us astray, especially when driven by fear or pride, recognizing when we are relying on our own understanding rather than God's direction. is the first step in discerning his voice. 2. The voice of Satan.
The enemy's voice is marked by lies, condemnation and temptation. Satan's primary tactic is to lead us away from God by sowing seeds of doubt and confusion. As Jesus said in John 8.44, There is no truth in him. He is a liar and the father of lies.
The enemy often disguises his voice as seemingly harmless suggestions or thoughts, but his goal is always to weaken our relationship with God. When you hear thoughts that make you question God's goodness, prompt you to sin, or fill you with condemnation, it's important to recognize that this is not from God. Jesus resisted the devil's lies by quoting scripture.
setting a powerful example for us to combat deception with truth. 3. The voice of the secular world. The secular voice surrounds us through culture, media, and even well-meaning friends or family.
This voice often promotes values that conflict with God's Word, encouraging us to prioritize self, pleasure, or material success above spiritual growth. Colossians 2.8 warns us, See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. It's easy to be influenced by societal pressures, but as believers, we're called to listen to God above the world's opinions. 4. The Voice of the Holy Spirit Finally, The Holy Spirit's voice is consistent with Scripture, rooted in love, and brings peace and conviction without condemnation. The Holy Spirit leads us in truth, reminding us of Jesus'teachings and guiding us closer to God's will.
When God speaks, there's often a quiet, steady assurance, a clarity that cuts through doubt. John 14.26 tells us that the Spirit will teach you all things. and will remind you of everything I have said to you. This voice encourages us, aligns with scripture, and calls us to a life of holiness and purpose. When trying to discern which voice is speaking, ask, does this voice lead me closer to God?
Affirm biblical truth and bring peace. If not, it's likely from self, Satan, or secular influence. Practicing discernment is like Training our spiritual senses, Hebrews 5.14 To recognize the difference between God's guidance and other influences.
The more time we spend in God's Word and in prayer, the easier it becomes to hear His voice above the others. It's crucial to renew our minds daily, immersing ourselves in God's Word, so that we are equipped to resist the enemy's lies, filter out secular pressures, and avoid relying solely on our own understanding. By grounding ourselves in Scripture and seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can clearly discern when God is speaking, leading us to live confidently in His truth.
As we close, let's remember that discerning God's voice is less about skill and more about intimacy with Him. The voice of the Holy Spirit isn't hidden from us. It's accessible.
clear and always aligns with God's unchanging word. God speaks in ways that are stable, peaceful, affirming and consistent. He draws us near, never using fear or condemnation to push us away, but rather calling us higher, building us up and rooting us in his love.
The world, our own thoughts and the enemy all speak loudly and frequently, but God's voice brings a calm and a confidence that outshines the rest. As we learned, discerning his voice means silence. Sensing the noise, tuning in to His Word, and letting the Holy Spirit reveal God's truth to us daily.
This process may require patience and trust, but the result is profound, a life anchored in the peace and certainty of God's guidance. So as you go forward, commit to making space in your life for God's voice. Be intentional about grounding yourself in His Word.
surrounding yourself with godly counsel and making prayer a regular habit. When you do, his voice will become a guiding light, bringing clarity, confidence and direction in every season. Let God's voice be your foundation, your comfort and your wisdom. Let's pray.
Father, thank you for the gift of your voice and the guidance of your spirit. Teach us to recognize your voice above all others. Help us to tune out the distractions.
Rely on your word and rest in your peace. Draw us closer to you each day and let our lives reflect your truth and love. In Jesus'name, amen.
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Thank you again for watching and may God's voice become ever clearer in your heart. Blessings to each of you.