5 Powerful Ways to Know You’re Hearing God And Not Just Your Own Thoughts
As a Christian, one of the biggest struggles in my walk with God has been learning to hear His voice. There have been so many times when I’ve asked, Was that really God speaking to me, or was it just my own thoughts?
The truth is, there are many voices we hear in our minds:
- Our own voice – our thoughts, desires, and emotions.
- The enemy’s voice – whispers of doubt, fear, and temptation.
- God’s voice – truth, conviction, peace, and direction.
So how do you know if it’s really God speaking to you? How do you discern His voice from everything else? If you’ve ever wrestled with this, I want to share 5 powerful ways to know you’re hearing God and some surprising ways God might already be speaking to you.
Before we dive in, I want to put a disclaimer here: I’m not an expert. I’m still growing in my relationship with God, just like you. But through my struggles with overthinking and second-guessing, I’ve learned some valuable lessons about recognizing His voice, and I pray they help you too.
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God’s Voice Aligns with His Word
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that God never contradicts Himself. If something you’re hearing goes against Scripture, then it’s not from Him.
There have been moments in my life when I felt “led” to do something, but when I checked it against the Bible, I realized it was just me. Maybe it was my emotions, or maybe it was wishful thinking but it wasn’t God.
Sometimes we want something so badly that we convince ourselves God is telling us yes when really, He’s already spoken through His Word, and the answer is no.
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33)
This is why reading the Bible daily is so important. The more you know God’s Word, the easier it is to recognize when He’s speaking to you. He won’t tell you something that goes against what He’s already said in Scripture.
Practical Tip: If you’re unsure whether something is from God, ask: Does this align with the Bible? If it doesn’t, it’s not from Him.
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God’s Voice Brings Peace, Even in Conviction
When God speaks, He doesn’t bring panic, anxiety, or condemnation. Even when He convicts us of sin, His voice is filled with love and the call to repentance not shame.
The enemy, on the other hand, is called “the accuser” (Revelation 12:10). If you feel guilt that keeps you stuck, discouraged, or hopeless, that’s not God that’s Satan trying to drive a wedge between you and Him.
Practical Tip: When you think you’re hearing God, ask yourself:
- Does this bring peace, even if it’s challenging?
- Am I feeling led toward God, or pushed away in fear?
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God Speaks in Different Ways Even Unexpected Ones
Many of us expect to hear from God in a big, dramatic way like an audible voice or a miraculous sign. But often, He speaks in much quieter, unexpected ways.
One way God spoke to me was during a time when I wasn’t living the way He wanted me to. Years ago, I was playing a game on my computer The Sims 3. If you don’t know, it’s a life simulation game where you control virtual characters. I spent hours playing this game, trapped in an addiction that kept me isolated indoors.
There was a time when I was completely stuck in a cycle of computer addiction. I would wake up late, go straight to my computer, browse the internet or play games all afternoon until 3 AM the next morning. I had no friends, no social life just me and the game. My entire routine revolved around it. I was numbing myself, escaping into a virtual world, while my real life passed me by.
In this particular game session, I created a storyline where my character was drinking, smoking, and living recklessly.
The next day, my mother said something to me that left me completely shocked. She told me she had a strange dream about me—that I had come home late, and she asked me, “Were you smoking? Were you drinking? Were you with a boy?”
I was stunned. She had no idea what I was doing in the game that I had played the night before, but her dream was an exact reflection of it. At the time, I felt God pulling me back to Him, and this moment was a wake-up call. I knew He was speaking to me through my mother’s dream, warning me about the path I was heading down even if it was just in a virtual world.
God speaks in many ways, often when we least expect it:
Through dreams or visions – Just like He did with my mother, God can reveal things through dreams. God spoke to Joseph, Daniel, and others this way. (Job 33:14-15).
Through people – God may use a friend, pastor, or even a stranger to confirm what He’s saying.
Through circumstances – A closed door might be God’s way of redirecting you to something better.
Through the Holy Spirit’s prompting – That deep nudge in your spirit or unshakable thought could be God speaking.
Through peace or uneasiness – Sometimes, God gives overwhelming peace about a decision—or a deep discomfort as a warning.
Practical Tip: Start paying attention to the little ways God may already be speaking to you.
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God Confirms His Voice Through Wise Counsel
If you’re unsure whether something is from God, seek godly counsel. The Bible tells us that wisdom comes from seeking advice from mature believers.
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22)
If you’re facing a big decision and aren’t sure if you’re hearing God or yourself, talk to a spiritually mature mentor, pastor, or friend. God often uses others to provide clarity.
Practical Tip: When in doubt, ask yourself: Have I sought wise, biblical counsel about this?
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God’s Voice Requires Faith and Obedience
Sometimes, we struggle to hear God’s voice not because He isn’t speaking but because we’re afraid to obey. If we only listen for what we want to hear, we might miss what God is actually saying.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22)
If you feel like God is calling you to something whether it’s to step out in faith, forgive someone, or let go of something don’t ignore it. Obedience opens the door for greater clarity in hearing Him.
Practical Tip: Ask yourself: Am I struggling to hear from God because I don’t want to obey what He’s already said?
Final Thoughts: How to Know You’re Hearing God And Not Just Your Own Thoughts
If you’re wondering whether it’s really God speaking to you are not alone in this. Every believer, at some point, struggles with discerning His voice. But God is not distant or silent He is always speaking, always leading, and always drawing us closer to Him.
When doubt creeps in, take a moment to reflect on these key questions:
Does it align with Scripture? God will never contradict His Word.
Does it bring peace? God’s voice is never chaotic or condemning.
Has God confirmed it in different ways? Look for multiple confirmations.
Have I sought godly counsel? Wise believers can help discern.
Am I willing to obey? Sometimes, we “can’t hear God” because we don’t want to listen.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)
If you genuinely seek Him, He will make His voice known to you. You don’t have to fear getting it wrong. If you miss His voice today, He will speak again. He knows your heart and your desire to follow Him, and He will guide you even through your uncertainty.
So, keep listening, keep seeking, and rest in this truth: You are not alone. You are seen, you are loved, and you are led by a faithful God who wants to walk with you every step of the way.
If worry and overthinking have been making it harder for you to hear Him clearly, I wrote something just for you: How to Stop Worrying and Start Trusting God
No matter how quiet or unclear it seems right now, trust that He is speaking even in ways you may not expect. Keep your heart open, and in His perfect time, He will reveal His direction for you.