How do you know its God speaking?

[Mandi]

I believe that God can speak to the hearts of Christians, but I struggle with how to know God is speaking to my heart or whether it is my own thoughts or my own mind "speaking." I have tried opening my heart to God and trying to quiet my mind and asked Him to speak to me. Then I have thoughts coming into my mind, which seem directed for me from God, but how can I know if this is really Him, if He speaks this way, or if its just my own thoughts? How do you know when God is speaking to you?

Thanks,
Mandi

[ConqueredbyLove]

I believe that God can speak to the hearts of Christians, but I struggle with how to know God is speaking to my heart or whether it is my own thoughts or my own mind "speaking." I have tried opening my heart to God and trying to quiet my mind and asked Him to speak to me. Then I have thoughts coming into my mind, which seem directed for me from God, but how can I know if this is really Him, if He speaks this way, or if its just my own thoughts? How do you know when God is speaking to you?

Thanks,
Mandi

Hi, dear Mandi,

It is a common question and I was a Christian for many years before I really began recognizing His voice.

First of all, know that He really, really does want to communicate with us, His beloved creation.

Secondly, what He says must always line up with Scripture. And that is how He primarily speaks to me, is through His Word. But He also speaks to us through creation, other Christians, our Pastors teaching/preaching and other ways.

His voice is a gentle, tender voice, never harsh, demanding or condeming. It is soft.

Oftentimes, before I will really believe it is Him (my fault!) He will have to speak the same thing to me twice. He will never contradict Himself.

When you say you have thoughts coming into your mind after you ask Him to speak to you which seem to be directed from God, what are those thoughts usually? Can you pinpoint them?

Know that a voice in your head that is condemning you or is harsh or nagging is not the voice of God when that happens. That is the enemy.

I don't know if you do this but you might want to try asking Him to speak to you, the next time you want to question Him with your Bible open and in you lap. If He brings a Scripture to your mind, that is Him speaking. But don't force it. Give Him time to come gently and softly to your heart.

Mandi, I just feel impressed to tell you this....You are so, very loved by God, dear heart :hug:

[stoomart]

Dear sister,

God primarily speaks through His word (the bible) and godly brothers and sisters in Christ who speak on the truth inspired by God's word. Whenever you are listening to God speak to you through scripture and others using scripture, you should always compare it with God's word as a whole to make sure it is true.

As for listening to your heart and mind, I believe the Holy Spirit does lead us in the way that we should go, but again, you should hold anything you are being lead to do up to the light of scripture to make sure it is true. Remember, your heart and mind are part of your flesh, which war against your spirit.

Jeremiah 17:19 - The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?

As for decisions of preference and not pertaining to anything of a spiritual nature, I believe God leaves these decisions up to us. In these things, again I recommend getting advise from elders and those wise in the ways of our Father when pertaining to lifestyle and life-changing decisions. I've heard it described like this: If we are seeking to please our heavenly Father in the decisions we make, He lets us graze in the whole pasture that is His and not just on a specific patch of grass.


In Christ's love, stoo

[Krav]

Hi, Mandi. For me the first things I look for are whether or not it has been something I've been praying about, or related to a prayer in some way. Then I look for Scriptural supports. Finally, confirmation from others can come through personal conversations, Christian radio, or through your daily reading of the Bible.

Over time I've learned to distinguish "that still small voice" from my own inner contemplations. It is easy on the obvious things, not so easy on other things.

[Mandi]

Your responses have been very helpful. Thank you.


First of all, know that He really, really does want to communicate with us, His beloved creation.



Thank you for confirmation there. I believe He does.


I don't know if you do this but you might want to try asking Him to speak to you, the next time you want to question Him with your Bible open and in you lap. If He brings a Scripture to your mind, that is Him speaking.


Yes, this is a good idea. I have done this, but not enough, I think. I think you are right that if it is a communication through scripture, we know it is good, from God. I did receive a verse yesterday by just opening the Bible, which seemed to be a response to something that I've been dealing with.

Do you think the enemy can mimic the voice of God in our hearts? Maybe with a communication that could be seen as "testing" God, or something that goes contrary to something you feel you have already received from God?

As for listening to your heart and mind, I believe the Holy Spirit does lead us in the way that we should go, but again, you should hold anything you are being lead to do up to the light of scripture to make sure it is true. Remember, your heart and mind are part of your flesh, which war against your spirit.


I believe this is a valid warning. Thanks.


Mandi, I just feel impressed to tell you this....You are so, very loved by God, dear heart


Thank you so much for this. You have no idea what this meant at the time I read it. Its sort of a long story. Maybe I can tell more later!

[Mandi]

ConqueredbyLove-I will try to answer the question you posed: When you say you have thoughts coming into your mind after you ask Him to speak to you which seem to be directed from God, what are those thoughts usually? Can you pinpoint them?
The thoughts are of comfort and love, sometimes with an image associated. Once it seemed He stood with a crown on His head to show He is in control of everything, and that I do not need to worry, and associated it with the scripture that "in this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Another time, He tells me to be at peace and leads me through a grassy field. Later, He "said" to my heart that He will always be with me and will never leave, although He is unseen and unfelt. He really is there at all times.

What has gotten me all confused is that the other day I thought I heard His "voice" saying to my heart something that turned out to be a lie. Its so confusing because it sounded and seemed like it was Him. I could not distinguish it. Now I'm sort of afraid to start listening again, afraid that my own heart, with the deceitfulness of sin, will speak, or something worse. I guess I was just looking to see if anyone else has ever gone through something similar or has learned more about discerning God's voice.

[ConqueredbyLove]

What has gotten me all confused is that the other day I thought I heard His "voice" saying to my heart something that turned out to be a lie. Its so confusing because it sounded and seemed like it was Him. I could not distinguish it. Now I'm sort of afraid to start listening again, afraid that my own heart, with the deceitfulness of sin, will speak, or something worse. I guess I was just looking to see if anyone else has ever gone through something similar or has learned more about discerning God's voice.

Are you able to be a little more specific? Was it a Scripture? What was the voice like? Did it come after prayer?

Looking back, I know I have had times when I thought it was God's voice but after years of listening or trying to listen, I have learned to discern much more.

I am glad if I could encourage you the other day :hug: I would like to hear more....

[Sketch]

I agree with what has been said so far concerning the voice of God. It will come through the Word, it will come through Godly leaders, friends. Sometimes, I feel like God can even speak (consistent with scripture) through things that don't necessarily seem to be related to following Him at all.


On the other hand, I think a lot of people tend to have problems with all of this. If you don't feel like you are experiencing the voice of God, you can probably learn to condemn the popular beliefs of those of us that do hear Him as imaginary and mind-driven.

For instance, some people turn on the radio to a Christian station. As they do, suddenly they hear a song that touches their heart in a very strong way. Simultaneously, in the persons heart, they feel lifted to a communion with God Himself for that moment, feeling like God has spoken to them, and it becomes a mental note of, "Wow. God is speaking to me through this song!"



And why wouldn't we feel that way? On the other hand, a person basing their logic upon their own wisdom from observation in the world, could easily assert that you, yourself, created the feeling by having an emotional response mixed with hopeful thoughts to sort of make this hybrid of your minds own concept of God speaking to you through the song. Facing this trial of doubt is difficult. Sometimes, ya know, you just have to believe that it is, and the more you believe, the more you know, and the more you know, the better you feel about the foundation upon which your faith rests (which is primarily unseen).

[ConqueredbyLove]

Sweet Mandi,

If you want to PM me regarding that incident where what you heard was not from the Lord and was, instead a lie, please feel free to.

I don't bite :hug: :kiss:

[ServantofTruth]

I want to agree with everyone who has said that everything God 'speaks' to you has to agree with the Word of God the bible. God doesn't change from eternity to eternity. God has revealed everything that you or I need to know in this life/ body. Anything that he has not revealed he has does not consider it important for us to know, and to try and find out is verging on sin.

I've writen that paragraph or parts of it, so many times, to so many people. And quoted 2 Timothy chapter 3: verses 16 & 17.

Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching people and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. The Scriptures train God's servants to do all kinds of good deeds.



NOW PAUSE !!!!!

Because we repeat these things so many times. But i meet so many christians who still want to either argue that the bible doesn't say something, or say i don't care - times have changed or i don't believe that.

And the worst lie of all (straight from the father of all lies satan) - I prayed and God told me he'd changed his mind. Yes Christians have actually told me that on countless occassions.

It is pointless reading the bible and learning the Will/ Wisdom of God within those books and then denying it. You have the Holy Spirit within you to guide bible reading and yes guide your life.

You must study the scriptures daily like the people of Berea in Acts 17: 10-12. Day after day, to see what is true! They had the apostle Paul and Silas, wouldn't we be blessed to study under them, but they still checked by studying the scriptures.

God will speak to you in many different ways - the more you know Him through his Word. It is the key. :pray: Peace, SofTy.

[ServantofTruth]

This topic has remained fresh in my mind and as i did my daily reading this morning - in 1 Samuel chapter 3 - it just reminded me how many times YaHWeH does speak.

Last night i was reading a book my father gave me for my 40th birthday recently and it was talking of Matthew 3:17 Then a voice from heaven said 'This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him.' (at Jesus' baptism) and Matthew 17:5 This is my own dear Son and I am pleased with him. Listen to what he says! (the transfiguration - with links to Moses speaking directly to God and his face being changed)

Now i in no way want to suggest that God calling Samuel to be a prophet, while laying near the sacred chest or God the Father speaking of his dear Son Jesus Christ is going to be the same as him speaking to us believers generally. I would urge caution when making comparisons.

But reading of each time God speaks in scripture could be up a frame work. Peace, SofTy.

[ServantofTruth]

I do appologise for posting a 3rd time in a row on the same topic. But this has remained in my thoughts.

As i read my second chapter today - 1 Samuel chapter 4 - we hear that for all Israel, the word of Samuel was as the word of YaHWeH (God).

Why was this? It was because Eli the priest was old and Eli's sons (Hophni and Phinehas) were scoundrels. An earlier verse has a man of God telling Eli 'Those who honour me I honour in my turn, and those who despise me will be an object of contempt.'

I really do recommend the whole Samuel story. The point is God spoke through Samuel because he obeyed. He didn't speak through Eli's sons because they didn't.

If we look at 1 Samuel 3:13 God speaks to Samuel and condems Eli's whole family because he is aware his sons are cursing God and has not corrected them.

Another bible character well worth researching for 'God speaking' is obviously Moses. You might want to look at Numbers chapter 12.

Aaron and Miriam (the brother and sister of Moses) say, Is Moses the only person God talks to? Miriam was a prophetess and Aaron high priest. In Numbers 12: verses 6-8 God (YaHWeH) replies.

I give dreams and visions to prophets, and speak in riddles - but Moses i speak to plainly and face to face. (not a quote, my summary). The original is much better to read!

God can and does chose how and who to speak to. We see this in the bible with those who obeyed and were rewarded with God speaking to them, and those who certainly were not obeying King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel) for example, or Saul (Acts end of chapter 7, begining of 8) but went on to be a great apostle.

If this is all too much to take in, i'll be quiet. But your topic is blessing me today and i hope, if only slightly my replies are helping you. May God's Spirit continue to guide your bible reading, life and witness to non believers. SofTy. :pray:

[TravisJ]

For there is many voices of the world... but My Sheep know my voice... The interesting thing is Sheep only come to the call of there Shepard, they flee from strangers' voices...

Me being one of them... when i received the Holy Ghost... God smoke to me... He speaks to me... sometimes... when you want to hear God.. you got to be at a place where you can her God...

[Ta-An]

1 Kings 19:12 (http://bibledatabase.org/cgi-bin/bib_search/bible.cgi?BIBLE=48&BOOK=11&CHAP=19&SEARCH=jesus%20king%20lord&Read=Read&FIRST=OK&HV=12) And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

As TravisJ says..... you will get to know His voice if you practice listening for it :)

[dispen4ever]

Now I'm sort of afraid to start listening again, afraid that my own heart, with the deceitfulness of sin, will speak, or something worse.

Open your Bible to 1 John 1:9. Then devote time each day to study at least one complete chapter in Mark's gospel. Once through Mark, do the same with John.

Happy Bible Study!!!!!!!!

[Mandi]

Thank you all!


I really do recommend the whole Samuel story. The point is God spoke through Samuel because he obeyed. He didn't speak through Eli's sons because they didn't.



Servant of Truth, I appreciate your interest and response to this topic! I look forward to reading the Samuel story again. You definitely help point me to the Scripture and to obedience to God! So important.

I think everyone is right when they tell me to make sure I stay in the Word. During the last couple of days, I have read 1st & 2nd Peter and 1st Corinthians. Plus, I am starting to re-read Thomas A Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ," which seems to give excellent insight into the life of devotion.

I will try to approach God with a deep humility and respect and hope to improve at listening and recognizing His voice.

ConqueredbyLove, I will try to PM you later when I have gathered my thoughts a little more. Thank you so much for caring and for your kind messages :hug:.

Fear or "confusion" should never keep us from pursuing Jesus. When many people turned away from Him, I say with Peter, "To whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life." (paraphrase)

Blessings to you all.

[Lady Ashanti]

I believe that God can speak to the hearts of Christians, but I struggle with how to know God is speaking to my heart or whether it is my own thoughts or my own mind "speaking." I have tried opening my heart to God and trying to quiet my mind and asked Him to speak to me. Then I have thoughts coming into my mind, which seem directed for me from God, but how can I know if this is really Him, if He speaks this way, or if its just my own thoughts? How do you know when God is speaking to you?

Thanks,
Mandi

Sis...

Study your scriptures, the Spirit of God will always agree with the Word of God, and if you "hide" His word in your heart this will sharpen your discernment, and you will be able to tell whether it is your flesh speaking, the enemy, or your Father.

Also, wait on the Lord to reveal...He does not lie...

[TravisJ]

:bible:Amen Sister Ashanti...

[Mandi]

"hide" His word in your heart this will sharpen your discernment


Yes, I've decided to read it from the beginning again, Old & New Testament. I get in the habit of re-reading the books and verses I like the most, but I am convicted I need to hear it all again.

Thanks Lady Ashanti.

[turtledove]

Hi Mandi, it is good to pray and ask for the gift of discerning of spirits.so you can better tell when something is coming from.

God
your own flesh (self) or
the enemy

Not always so easy and sometimes takes waiting and more praying about specific issues. I usually know because other things support what I think I am hearing.

1. What we think God is saying to us must line up with scriptures. God does not go against His Word.
2. It is peaceful and not causing me distress and anquish, etc. So, it is the fruit of the Holy Spirit--not the fruit of the unholy spirit or spirits. Of course, it could also mean I am being convicted and need to change somethings or repent of something and that is good but not always confortable as I face whatever I need to be dealing with. :blush:

3. Circumstances are so to help confirm what it is. (Like maybe I am discerning whether I am called to a specific ministry. One circumstance would be that others are confirming this to me..) or that there is a need to do this ministry which God has shown me.

My experience has been that sometimes I have thought God has put it on my heart to do a specific thing but nothing else lines up with that thought. (not then anyway) Then I put it on the shelf and in time it may very well be confirmed by the above things I mention and I end up doing it. I remember the first time I felt I was called to teach a women's bible study group. I even talked to the co-ordinator of the program about it..but it just wasn't time for me to do it yet. I put it..as we sometimes say, "on the back burner" and waited. A year later I taught my first bible study and eventually went on to do eight of them. :saint:


Give it time; but also try to be obedient. (if that makes any sense) Granted it is sometimes a challenge to discern. That is why we pray for wisdom in this.

And asking for counsel from others is a good thing to do too if we feel the need for help.

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. " (Proverbs 15:22)

Big thing is to "trust" God..remember how he spoke to Elijah in a still, small voice..but he also spoke to Moses through a burning bush and Paul through a great light. Be alert, keep watchful, and listen...



wiseoldowl :pray:

[Mandi]

Thank you, Wiseoldowl!
That was wonderful, exactly speaking to my concern.
I need to re-read it a couple of times and try to
"assimilate" what you have said.
Thanks, Mandi