How to Hear God's Voice: Are You Listening?

Good morning, church! Today, we're talking about something really exciting—something that can change the course of your life, give you direction, and even make you feel like you're hearing straight from heaven. God's voice. Yes, that’s right—God speaks to us.

But here’s the catch: How do we know it’s Him? I mean, let’s be honest—how many times have you been in a situation where you’re like, “Was that God, or was I just hungry?” Or, “Was that God, or was that just me wanting to win the lottery?” (That’s a prayer we all secretly pray, right?)

It’s not always easy to distinguish God’s voice from the thousand other voices in our head. But don’t worry—today we’re going to break it down. We’ll talk about how God speaks to us, how to identify His voice, and how to know for sure that you’re not just listening to your own desires (or Satan trying to sneak in).

How Does God Speak to Us?

God speaks in a variety of ways, not just through thunderous voices from the clouds (though that would be kind of cool, right?). Instead, He often speaks in ways we might not expect. Let’s look at some of the ways God talks to us:

• Through His Word (The Bible)

  The most obvious way God speaks to us is through the Bible. If you’re not reading the Bible regularly, you’re basically walking around with ear plugs in, and wondering why you can’t hear Him. In 2 Timothy 3:16, it says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”God speaks directly to us through His Word. If you’re seeking guidance, start there. It’s like looking at the instruction manual of life—except this one doesn’t have a million confusing diagrams.

  
  

• Through Prayer (It’s a Two-Way Street)

  Prayer isn’t just us talking to God—it’s also God talking to us. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”When you pray, expect a response. And sometimes, it’s not a booming voice or a billboard with an answer—it’s peace. It’s that deep, gut-level peace that lets you know everything is going to be okay, even when the world around you is going crazy.

  
  

• Through Other People

  God often speaks through others. Whether it’s a friend, a pastor, or a complete stranger who randomly says something that hits you like a ton of bricks—God speaks through people. This just happened to me yesterday when I asked God to send me confirmation on something I was pursuing and BAM not a moment later I got an edifying text from a friend in Michigan completely unrelated but the words were exactly God's confirmatory response (thanks Michelle).

  
  

  In Proverbs 11:14, it says, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Sometimes God will send someone to speak the exact word you need to hear. So, if someone gives you advice, ask God if that aligns with His Word. It could be exactly what He’s been trying to tell you!

  
  

• Through Circumstances

  Now, here’s where it gets a little tricky. Sometimes God speaks through our circumstances—like when things fall into place, or when things seem to fall apart (which can be just as revealing). In Revelation 3:7, Jesus says, “What He opens, no one can shut, and what He shuts, no one can open.”If you’re praying for direction and something just keeps closing, maybe it’s time to ask God if He’s trying to tell you, “Not right now.” Sometimes we need to learn to listen when doors are being shut.

  
  

How Does God Speak to Us? How Do We Know It’s God?

Okay, now that we know how God speaks, how do we know it’s really Him? Let’s be real—sometimes we can get a little confused, right? Maybe it’s just our wishful thinking, or maybe it’s Satan trying to trick us.

• God’s Voice Aligns with His Word

  The first and most important test is this: God’s voice will never contradict the Bible. If what you’re hearing doesn’t align with Scripture, it’s not God. You’re either hearing your own desires or someone else’s voice (ahem Satan).If you feel like God is telling you something that goes against His Word—like, “It’s okay to cheat on your spouse because you deserve it,” that’s not God. I don’t care how good the temptation sounds. God will never contradict His Word.

  
  

• Peace in Your Heart

  God’s voice brings peace. Even when the situation is tough, His voice brings a sense of calm assurance that He’s in control. In Isaiah 26:3, it says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.”If the “voice” you’re hearing causes anxiety, fear, or confusion, it’s probably not God. God is clear, and He’s not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).

  
  

• The Devil’s Voice Brings Confusion and Doubt

  Satan loves to use confusion. He wants you to doubt yourself, your identity, and most importantly, God’s goodness. If you hear voices telling you that you’re not good enough, that you can’t be forgiven, or that God has abandoned you—that’s not God. God speaks life, truth, and encouragement. Satan speaks death, shame, and fear.

  
  

• The Fruits of the Spirit

  Another test is to ask yourself: Does this voice encourage you to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? If it’s pushing you toward sin or selfishness, it’s not God. Galatians 5:22-23 talks about the fruits of the Spirit, and God will always guide you toward those things.

The “Speaking My Truth” Trap

We’ve all heard people say, “I’m just speaking my truth.” Well, here’s the thing: God doesn’t want you to speak your truth—He wants you to speak His truth. It’s not about finding your own version of what’s true; it’s about aligning yourself with God’s unchanging truth.

In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” So, if your “truth” doesn’t line up with Jesus, then it’s not really the truth—it’s just a bunch of opinions and feelings. And let’s be real—we all have those.

How Do We Make Sure We're Listening to God?

• Spend Time with God. You can’t recognize someone’s voice if you don’t spend time with them. If you want to hear God, you have to spend time in His presence. Pray, read His Word, and listen. The more you’re in His Word, the more you’ll recognize His voice when He speaks.

  
  

• Be Still. This world is noisy, y’all. Turn off the TV, put down your phone, and just be still for a moment. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Sometimes we need to turn down the noise to hear the still, small voice of God.

  
  

• Test the Spirits. If you’re unsure, test the voice. Ask yourself: “Is this voice leading me to be more like Jesus? Is it producing fruit in my life?” 1 John 4:1 says, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”

Conclusion: Are You Listening?

God speaks. He really does. He’s not some distant, silent God just watching from a distance—He’s active, present, and He wants to speak into your life. But the question is: Are you listening?

Take time today, tomorrow, and every day after that to listen for God’s voice. Don’t be distracted by your own desires, the world’s chaos, or the devil’s lies. Hear Him clearly, follow His direction, and trust that He knows what’s best for you.

Let’s pray.

Father, thank You for speaking to us. We recognize that You are always trying to guide us, and we want to be better listeners. Help us discern Your voice above all others, and lead us in Your truth. Give us peace, give us clarity, and help us trust in Your perfect plan for our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.