How Do You Know When God Is Speaking To You? Here are 6 Ways to Find Out
Unlike the Bible times, it isn’t always clear whether or not God is speaking to us. After all, we don’t have the luxury of a burning bush or talking donkey to be sure!
But that doesn’t mean that we can’t know for sure if God is talking to us or if it’s just our imagination. Here are 6 ways to find out if God is trying to talk to you.
What Did God’s Voice Sound Like in the Bible?
Hebrews 1:1 tells us, “In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways.”
Throughout the Bible, God spoke to Joseph through dreams (Genesis 37:5-10), Moses through a burning bush (Exodus 3:1-4), Balaam through a talking donkey (Numbers 22:21-31), Elijah through a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13), and Peter and Paul through visions (Acts 10:9-16; 16:9; 18:9-10).
What Does God’s Voice Sound Like Today?
Today, it’s not common to see a burning bush or hear from a talking donkey, but that doesn’t mean God isn’t still speaking to us.
God’s voice is often quiet, so it’s easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention. But God does still communicate to us today.
Method 1: Through the Bible and Prayer
The more we read the Bible and pray, the more clearly we will hear God’s voice. We can hear God during intentional Bible study time, or when a Bible verse pops into our minds during the day. The important thing is to read or listen to the Bible so that we can hear the words inspired by God Himself.
And the Bible is still relevant today. This is why Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “The word of God is living and active.”
Method 2: In Our Thoughts
We can turn our thoughts to God even during the craziness of our days, like prayer-on-the-go. Turning your thoughts towards God like this means that you can hear His voice even outside your designated prayer time.
This is why Philippians 4:8 tells us: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Method 3: In Our Conscience
Have you ever experienced a serious conviction that something was wrong, even though you couldn’t find a Bible verse to explain why?
The Bible tells us that God has placed His law in the hearts of people who don’t even know Him. This means that even if we don’t know every word of the Bible, this “natural law” can often speak through our conscience and guide us.
We see this in Romans 2:15, which tells us, “They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.”
Method 4: Through Our Feelings and/or Desires
A lot of times, feelings and emotions are shot down as irrational or unreliable. And while we shouldn’t follow every whim, it is God who created our emotions and desires in the first place. If God created feelings, He can certainly speak to us through them.
This is why Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
Method 5: Through Our Circumstances
God can open doors that we would never, ever expect to walk through, or He can close doors that we counted on being open. An honest look at our circumstances can help us hear God’s voice in unexpected ways.
In the Bible, the apostle Paul was always trying to go one place, when the word of God, or shipwreck, or imprisonment changed his plans. (Acts 16 is a great example of his crazy path.) Because he listened to God and changed his plans, he spread the gospel through the Roman Empire.
Method 6: Through Other People
Guidance can come from someone we expect to give us advice, or it can come from someone we never would’ve turned to. Other people might confirm something we were already thinking, or they can challenge us to hear God’s voice in an unexpected way.
In the Bible, Esther’s uncle challenged her to have courage, even when putting her own life in danger for the sake of the Jewish people:
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
How to Read the Bible (Easy Instructions for Beginners!)
The BEST way to hear God’s voice (especially if you’re just getting started) is to spend time reading Scripture.
Want to learn how to read the Bible for yourself, but you’re not sure where to start or how to understand it?
Reading the Bible is a lot easier (and way more enjoyable) than you might think. You just need a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
How to Read the Bible (Easy Instructions for Beginners!)
What is God’s Will for Your Life? Here’s How to Find Out
Are you trying to answer the question, “What is God’s will for my life?” If so, check out these 5 ways to help you determine what He wants for your life.
How to Know God’s Will for Your Life
7 Best Bible Apps for Christian Women — All Free!
Ever wish you could read the Bible more regularly or study the Bible more in-depth? Well… There’s an app for that!
Whether you’re looking for an interesting Bible reading plan, an audio version to read the Bible to you, or in-depth Bible studies led by trained pastors, these ten popular Bible study apps allow you to take Scripture with you wherever you go. Plus, they’re free!
7 Best Bible Study Apps for Christians
10 Bible Verses About Trusting God in Difficult Times
When you’re going through trials and suffering, Scripture verses about trusting God in difficult times can be such a comfort. The Bible’s whole narrative is about humanity’s journey in trusting their Creator.
Meditate on and pray through these verses about trusting God in difficult times when you need a reminder about the big picture: God’s story, what He’s doing in the world, His boundless grace and mercy, and how much you matter to Him.
10 Bible Verses About Trusting God in Difficult Times
How to Put God First in Your Life (Including Powerful Bible Verses)
Sometimes our plates become so full of things that we accidentally put God on the back burner. We don’t mean to, but the distraction of life tears us away from putting God first in our lives as He wants us to do.
If you’re feeling like God is distant because of your hectic schedule, keep reading to learn more about putting God first, even when your plate is full.
How to Put God First in Your Life (Including Powerful Bible Verses)
