7 Ways to Know God is Speaking

Let’s say a thought just pops into your head and out of nowhere you think you should go and talk to a stranger. Why on earth would you think that? You at once reject that thought and go about your business. But what if that was God speaking to you and you missed it? What would have happened if you had talked to that person? Could you have shared Jesus with them? Could you have encouraged them and made their day?

I want to share a couple of questions that will help you know if God is speaking to you. If you haven’t read my post “God Still Speaks Today” you can find that here {knowinghisvoice.com/hestillspeaks} The Word of God says in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 “...but test everything; hold fast to what is good.” ESV. We need to test our thoughts to see where they originate. If we begin to recognize thoughts that come from God, we have a tremendous opportunity to obey and see God working through us. Below is a list of 7 questions that you can ask yourself. They will help you to discern whether it is God, “just you”, or the enemy speaking.

• Does it contradict God’s Word?

If it contradicts God’s Word, it is either you or the enemy.

• Is it scripture?

More than likely if a scripture comes to mind it is either from God or you have been meditating or memorizing that scripture. God is known to bring scripture back to mind when you need it the most. John 14:26 “But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you.” ESV

• Is it true?

Everything God says is true, so if what you just thought is true, it could be God. Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” ESV

• Is it motivated out of love?

You might want to rebuke someone for their actions, but if it is not coming from a place of love and concern for that person, it is probably not God, and you need to look at your heart motivation. 1 Corinthians 16:14 “Let all that you do be done in love.” ESV 1 John 4:8 “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” ESV

• Does it make you uncomfortable?

If you just thought about doing something that puts you out of your comfort zone, it could be God. Often neither the enemy nor you want you to do anything out of your comfort zone. But before you act on that thought make sure to pray and ask the Lord to help you recognize his voice and for the courage to follow Him. 2 Timothy 1:7 “...for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” ESV

• Will it encourage people if you say it?

God is all about encouraging people and lifting them up, so if the thought that came to you could encourage someone, it is probably from God. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” ESV

• Is it a reoccurring thought?

If you are having a reoccurring thought about something you should do or just something that keeps coming to mind it could be from God. Make sure that it does not contradict God’s Word and pray about it. God could have something He wants to teach you or something He wants you to do. John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” ESV

I hope this helps you to be more sensitive to hearing the voice of God. The more that you choose to be mindful of your thoughts, the more that you will be able to recognize God’s voice. I know God is just waiting for you to stop and listen and when you do, He won’t stop speaking.