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How do I Know I Hear the Voice of God?

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Photo credit :C D-X

How do I Know I Hear the Voice of God?

God speaks to us. The disciples, as His sheep, are able to recognize the voice of the Shepherd and the voice of strangers (John 10:4-5). I believe that God has given discernment to every disciple to recognize God’s voice and the voice that may come from other sources. Disciples are vulnerable to hearing the voice of the flesh, the world, or the devil (cf. John 13:2; Acts 5:3; Mt. 4:3). At least once, every Christian may have a question, doubt, or confusion such as, “Am I hearing God or someone else?” or “Is it me or God?” How does one make sure that he or she is really hearing God? I suggest that one can safeguard himself or herself by applying the following guiding principles when a person hears a voice.

Discerning God's Voice

Cultivating a Godly Heart

Developing a heart that is after God will help us to recognize God’s voice. A heart that is filled with godly motives, passion and pure love for Jesus, a broken and contrite spirit, total devotion and focus upon Jesus, and a spirit of repentance builds a strong internal posture of intimacy with Jesus. Moreover, one should consistently be filled with the love of God in his heart through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). One should receive the peace of God into his or her heart (Philippians 4:7). In such intimacy and rest, one’s discernment can be very sensitive; familiarity and sensitivity to God’s voice may become strong. This internal posture of heart can help one to make sure that he or she hears God’s voice.

Test the Source

One may hear the voice of the Holy Spirit or the spirit of the world. To test the source, Brad Jersak suggests asking questions such as, “Who said that?” or “Is this really the true Lord Jesus?” (Kindle). Jesus and His Spirit are dwelling in us. Jesus said that the Spirit of Truth will lead us into all the truth (John 16:13). Apostle John also encourages us to test the source of every message (1 John 4:1). Jesus Himself is an example for us. Jesus predicted His death to His disciples. But Peter could not understand it initially and rebuked Jesus when He predicted His death. However, Jesus identified Satan as the source of such a message from Peter (Matthew 16:21-23). Therefore, every follower of Christ should test the source of the voice that they hear. It is not to doubt God but to expose the devil, who comes as an angel of light and tries to deceive the saints (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

Scripture

Scripture is the authoritative canon to measure every other revelation that one may hear, see, or sense. One may not be able to limit God’s voice only within the Bible, but the Bible is the measuring rod to test the validity of every other revelation. One should check if his or her personal revelation aligns with the broader message of the Bible. Jersak says that “not all Bible passages apply to all people at all times… We need to test what we hear according to the redemptive direction of God’s word—to themes consistent with the gospel of God’s grace and Jesus’ vision of the kingdom” (Kindle).

Spiritual Counselors

Mark Virkler advises that one should take input from at least two or three spiritual counselors regarding the revelation of God that a person may receive (Virkler, GSSM). It will safeguard people. “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (ESV Proverbs 11:14; cf. Matthew 18:15-20). Jersak says, “A reliable word from God should meet this criterion: Does it find confirmation in your community of faith?” (Kindle).

Inner Witness

The Holy Spirit indwells in us. He leads us into the truth. He always gives us a great level of inner witness (cf. Romans 8:16; John 16:8). His anointing is upon us to teach us (1 John 2:26-27). The Holy Spirit is our guide and teacher. Since a disciple has this direct communication line with God, one should search for the inner witness regarding the voice that they hear.

Test the Fruit

The outcome or fruit of a word matters a lot. Jersak says that “a true word from the Lord is an invitation to transformation. Where God’s voice is heard and received, expect to see moral reform, changes in character, and an increase in integrity” (Kindle). Paul says the purpose of a word from the Lord is to strengthen, encourage, and comfort a person (1 Corinthians 14:3). The Holy Spirit brings joy and peace (Romans 14:17). The word from the Lord brings out the fruits of the Holy Spirit in a believer in greater measure. A message from God builds up one’s faith and hope, whereas a message from any other source may diminish one’s faith, hope, and character.

Conclusion

Everyone is vulnerable to receiving a voice other than God’s. Therefore, a wise disciple should always test the voice that he or she hears. Spiritual discernment is a practice that safeguards every believer. Cultivating an intimate and sensitive heart toward God gives a person strong discernment to recognize God’s voice. To guard oneself, every personal revelation should be measured by the inerrant Word of God. Moreover, input from the church or the body of spiritual counselors on one’s personal revelation can safeguard him or her from going astray. In addition to our spiritual counselors, our great personal counselor, the Holy Spirit, can give an inner witness regarding the source of the voice that one receives. Finally, one needs to test both the immediate and long-term fruits of the voice they have received. These measures of discernment can ensure that one is hearing from God and help avoid pitfalls in the Christian walk.


Further Readings in this Blog: 

Saying YES to God to become God’s Co-Worker

Principles for Effective Ministry: 15 Things that I learned from Ministry

Book: 



Can You Hear Me? : Tuning in to the God Who Speaks


Other resources (not endorsing): 
The Beginner's Guide to Hearing God's Voice

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