Is That God or Just Me? Learning to Recognize God’s Voice

By Pastor John Erickson

Some people talk about hearing God as though it happens as naturally as answering the phone. Others aren't sure they've ever experienced anything like that. And plenty of us are somewhere in the middle, wondering whether a thought came from God or whether we're simply having a conversation with ourselves.

That's an important question. People can become very confident that God has spoken, and confidence by itself doesn't make them right. We need both openness to the Holy Spirit and humility about our ability to misunderstand.

Begin With the Relationship

In John 14, Jesus is speaking to His disciples as He prepares them for His departure. He promises that the Holy Spirit will teach them and remind them of what He said. That promise is rooted in Jesus' teaching; it is not a blank check for anything someone labels a message from God. The picture is personal and ongoing. God welcomes us into a relationship in which we learn to listen, respond, and grow.

Sometimes, though, we approach Him mainly when we need an answer. We have a decision to make, so we press the spiritual call button and wait for assistance. We want direction, preferably clear direction, preferably before lunch.

We can certainly bring decisions to God. But Scripture presents a relationship much richer than a heavenly question-and-answer service. Jesus calls His disciples friends. Hearing Him grows within a life spent with Him.

Pay Attention-and Test What You Hear

The first place I turn is Scripture. God's Word gives us a foundation for understanding His character and recognizing what is consistent with Him. Any impression we have needs to be considered in that light.

I've also experienced moments when someone comes to mind with an unusual sense of compassion or concern. I reach out, and sometimes the response is essentially, "Wow, I needed someone to hear me." Those moments move me toward a person, toward compassion, toward listening. They are an invitation to respond humbly, not proof that every feeling I have is a message from God. At other times, a thought carries a particular weight or tenderness, or another person helps me recognize something I hadn't seen.

Those experiences still need testing. Does this line up with Scripture? Does it reflect the character of Jesus? Am I willing to let mature people I trust help me think it through?

Our motivations matter, too. I know how easy it is to hear what I already wanted to hear.

If I am asking whether to eat a cupcake, and my emotions are enthusiastically voting yes, that does not settle the question of whether God has spoken. Apparently I can have a very strong impression about frosting.

I am particularly cautious when the answer conveniently agrees with what I wanted anyway. When a prompting moves me beyond my comfort zone, I pay attention-but discomfort alone is not proof either. Every impression still needs testing. God can lead us toward something we want, but wanting it badly should make us willing to examine our conclusions carefully.

God Cares About Who You're Becoming

Sometimes we become so focused on getting an answer that we overlook what God is doing in us. We're asking which option to choose while spending very little time considering what He has already asked us to change.

Romans 12:2 connects discerning God's will with transformation and the renewing of our minds. As God changes us, we grow in our ability to recognize what is good and pleasing to Him. We become people who can participate thoughtfully and faithfully in His work.

That doesn't mean every unanswered question reveals a failure in your spiritual life. Sometimes we simply don't have an answer yet. But it does invite us to ask a deeper question alongside "What should I do?" We can also ask, "Lord, who are You helping me become?"

I have also learned to listen when other people push back. I may describe a direction I think God is giving, and someone else says they are not sensing the same thing. I need to be willing to hear that. Saying "God told me" should not close a conversation that might help me grow.

Learning to hear God takes practice. Spend time in Scripture, make room to listen, examine your motivations, and welcome wise counsel. You can take the relationship seriously without pretending you understand everything perfectly.