10 Ways to Know When God Is Speaking to You
(and Not Just Your Own Thoughts)
Sometimes one of my therapy dogs accompanies me to Sunday School, where I teach fourth and fifth graders. One particular Sunday, I brought my creamy white poodle, Jackie, to volunteer with me. We laughed about Jackie being the sheep in our Christmas play this year. Then, we prayed and started the lesson on the names of Jesus, with today’s lesson being Jesus as “The Good Shepherd.” We read John 10:10-11, and my student said she had just heard this verse in another lesson two weeks ago. How funny: Jackie is the sheep, Jesus is our “Good Shepherd”, and we have a repeat Bible verse. Talk about knowing when God is speaking! Our lesson quickly turned to learning the ways to know when God is speaking to you.
We, as believers in Christ, want to listen well to God’s voice, but many struggle to discern His voice. We do not understand how to know God’s voice, so discernment becomes difficult, if not impossible, unless we are familiar with the ways God speaks and then learn to listen well. God speaks to us today through Scripture and Bible verses, the Holy Spirit, Godly people, and peace that surpassing understanding. We need to learn to discern God’s voice and to listen well.
What Does the Bible Say About When God is Speaking to Us?
The Bible is clear that God speaks to His people and desires a personal relationship with us. In John 10:27 (NIV), Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” This reminds us that recognizing God’s voice is part of an intimate relationship with Him. Hebrews 1:1–2 tells us that while God once spoke through the prophets, He now speaks to us through His Son, Jesus—our ultimate example and messenger. Sometimes, God’s voice comes not in dramatic ways but in quiet moments, like in 1 Kings 19:12, when Elijah hears God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a “gentle whisper.” These scriptures remind us that God still speaks today—through His Word, His Spirit, and the quiet places of our hearts—because He longs to guide us, comfort us, and walk with us daily.
10 Ways to Know When God Is Speaking to You
Through Scripture
God’s Word is the most reliable and consistent way He speaks to us. When you read the Bible and a verse seems to come alive—convicting, comforting, or deeply relevant—that may be God drawing your attention. 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that “all Scripture is God-breathed,” and He uses it to teach, correct, and guide us into truth.Through a Persistent Nudge or Prompting
Sometimes God speaks through gentle, consistent nudges that won’t go away—promptings to reach out, pray, or step out in faith. These are not loud or forceful but quietly persistent. When something good and godly keeps stirring in your heart, it may be the Holy Spirit inviting you to respond.Through Peace That Passes Understanding
God often confirms His guidance through deep, unexplainable peace. Even when circumstances are uncertain, Philippians 4:7 tells us His peace can guard our hearts and minds. If you’re feeling calm and settled after seeking Him, it may be a sign you’re walking in His will.Through Godly Counsel from Others
God frequently speaks through the wisdom of trusted, mature believers. Proverbs 11:14 says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” Wise counsel from people who walk closely with God can be one of the clearest ways He confirms His voice.Through Circumstances That Align
Sometimes God speaks through open doors—or closed ones. While circumstances alone shouldn’t determine our decisions, they can serve as signs of His direction. Divine appointments, unexpected opportunities, or blocked paths may all be God’s way of guiding your steps.Through Dreams or Visions (If Aligned with Scripture)
God has spoken through dreams and visions in the Bible, and He can still do so today. However, these experiences should always align with Scripture and be approached with discernment. If a dream leads you closer to Christ and lines up with His Word, it may be from Him.Through a Gentle Conviction, Not Condemnation
The Holy Spirit gently convicts us when we stray, but never with shame. God’s voice corrects with love and invites us to return. Romans 8:1 reminds us that “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” If you feel prompted to repent or realign, that could be Him speaking.Through Repetition (When the Message Keeps Coming)
Have you noticed a theme showing up in sermons, songs, conversations, and your quiet time? God often confirms His message through repetition. When you keep hearing the same truth in different places, pay attention—it may be God trying to get your attention.Through Worship or Prayer Times
In moments of worship and heartfelt prayer, we often become more sensitive to God’s presence and voice. As we quiet ourselves before Him, His Spirit can bring clarity, encouragement, or redirection. Sometimes, the answers come not in words, but in a sense of assurance.Through the Fruit It Produces
God’s voice always produces fruit that reflects His character. James 3:17 says His wisdom is “pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit…” If what you’re sensing leads to love, peace, patience, kindness, or faithfulness, it’s likely from Him.
How to Tell the Difference Between God’s Voice and Your Own
Discerning God’s voice from your own thoughts—or even the enemy’s whispers—can be difficult. God’s voice is always consistent with Scripture and rooted in love. It often brings conviction but never shame, clarity but not confusion. While your own voice may be driven by fear or emotion, God’s voice brings peace, truth, and alignment with His character. Over time, the more time you spend in prayer and the Word, the more easily you’ll begin to recognize His gentle whisper.
What to Do When You’re Not Sure God Is Speaking
To listen well, it’s important not to filter what God is saying through your own reasoning or logic. Often, God speaks clearly, but our full understanding of His message may take time—sometimes a day, a week, or even longer. Waiting is a vital part of discernment. True listening involves patience, humility, and a willingness to let God reveal His truth in His perfect timing.
If you’re unsure whether you’re hearing from God, don’t rush. Scripture encourages us to “wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart” (Psalm 27:14). Spend more time in prayer, ask for confirmation, seek wise counsel, and stay grounded in the Word. God is never in a hurry, and He’s not trying to confuse you—He wants you to trust Him and walk closely with Him. Waiting on Him is part of learning to hear Him.
God Is Speaking—Listen Well
God hasn’t stopped speaking—He’s still guiding, still calling, and still drawing His people close. But in a world full of noise, distractions, and doubts, it takes intentional quiet and a listening heart to truly hear Him. Whether He speaks through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, a whisper in prayer, or a word from a friend, His voice is always rooted in truth and love. Listening well means creating space to hear, being willing to obey, and trusting that His voice brings peace and clarity. When we slow down and tune our hearts to Him, we’ll find that God is not silent—He’s personal, present, and always ready to speak.
By the way, I created a “Listen Well” design for my students to remember to listen well when God is speaking. I hope to surprise them soon. I hope you enjoy the design too:
Don’t’ forget to make a powerful prayer list.
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