have you ever found yourself wondering is this God speaking to me or is it just my own thoughts perhaps you've been at a Crossroads choosing a career path making a big life decision or even in a moment of prayer struggling to discern whether what you feel in your heart is truly from the Lord or just your own desires I've been there and I know the doubt can feel paralyzing you want to follow God's will but how can you be sure it's his voice leading you and not your own let me start by telling you you're
not alone in this struggle Discerning between God's voice and your own thoughts is a challenge many Christians face especially in a world filled with noise and distractions but I want you to know that Clarity is possible God is not a god of confusion he wants you to recognize his voice and walk confidently in his guidance the Bible speaks directly to this struggle Hebrews 4:12 says for the word of God is alive and active sharper than any double-edged sword it penetrates even to dividing Soul and Spirit joints and Marrow it judges the thoughts and attitudes of
the heart God's word is the key to distinguishing between your soul the seat of your emotions and preferences and your spirit the place where God's voice resides it's not about striving harder but about letting his word bring that sharp Divine Clarity into your life isn't it comforting to know that God wants to speak to you his voice is not elusive or meant to confuse it's meant to lead guide and comfort in this guide we'll explore the principles and practices that can help you discern God's voice we'll dive into scripture reflect on his wisdom and uncover
the peace that comes from knowing he is speaking to you remember Clarity isn't just a possibility it's a promise for those who seek him as a public Declaration of your trust in his leading I invite you to type God guide me let it be a symbol of your faith a reminder that you are not alone in this journey God is with you speaking leading and loving you every moment of your life trust him for he is faithful before we go deeper I invite you to subscribe to this channel CS Lewis sermons if you haven't already
if you hear this content word for word from any channel other than CS Lewis sermons it's theft by wolves in sheep's clothing please help by reporting them to protect protect the Integrity of God's truth and expose the deception let's walk this journey together Discerning God's voice is not just a spiritual exercise it is a Lifeline for every Christian seeking to walk in alignment with God's will I want you to know that the ability to distinguish between God's voice and your own inclinations is more than just helpful it is essential without it we risk wandering down
paths that lead to confusion frustration or even spiritual stagnation but with it we experience the joy of knowing that our steps are ordered by the Lord Psalm 37: 23 The Truth is our own Hearts can often be deceptive Jeremiah 17:9 tells us the heart is deceitful above all things and be beond cure who can understand it when we rely on our emotions or instincts alone we are prone to mistakes but God offers something far greater his voice his wisdom and his guidance that's why discernment matters it is the bridge between our limited human understanding and
God's infinite perfect will imagine this a Believer feels strongly led to quit quit their job believing it's a nudge from God but after months of hardship and no clear purpose unfolding they begin to question if it was truly God who directed them or their own feelings of frustration with work perhaps you've been in a similar situation I know I have there were moments when I felt so sure that I was hearing from God only to later realize that I had mistaken my person personal desires for his leading when we act on our own inclinations thinking
they are Divine we can find ourselves in a cycle of confusion this is why the Bible repeatedly calls us to seek God's wisdom Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways submit to him and he will make your path straight notice the words lean not on your own understanding they are a warning to us our thoughts though well-meaning are often limited and shaped by our circumstances emotions or even fears but when we trust God fully submitting every thought and decision to
him he brings Clarity I remember a time when a friend of mine struggled with this very issue she was considering a major move across the country and believed God was prompting her to take this leap of faith but as we prayed together and searched the Scriptures it became evident that her desire to escape a difficult situation was clouding her ability to discern what seemed like God's voice was in reality her own longing for change through this experience she learned a profound truth God's voice voice brings peace not pressure it aligns with his word and never
contradicts his character her lesson like many of ours was this we must take the time to pause pray and listen Discerning God's voice is rarely about rushing into action it's about surrendering our will and allowing him to guide us in his timing I want you to know this God does not play games with his children he does not speak in riddles to confuse you or set you up for failure no our God is a god of clarity in Psalm 32:8 God promises I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go I
will counsel you with my loving eye on you isn't that incredible God not only wants to guide you he Delights in giving you the wisdom you need to hear him clearly CS Lewis once wrote relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done this reminds us that discernment isn't a one-time skill it's a daily dependence on God each day we must intentionally lean into his presence open his word and tune our hearts to The Whispers of his Spirit believers you don't have to live in doubt or
fear of missing God's voice you don't have to carry the weight of uncertainty the same God who formed you who knows every hair on your head wants to speak to you and guide you trust him seek Him and know that he is faithful to lead you with Clarity and love one God speaks primarily through his word if you want to discern God's voice there is one foundational truth you must hold on to God speaks primarily through his word I want you to know that the Bible is not just a book filled with ancient wisdom it
is God breathe living and active it is the ultimate and most reliable source for hearing God's voice in a world where our own thoughts can be clouded by emotions fears and desires scripture serves as the unchanging fil filter through which every decision impression and word must pass have you ever stood on the shore and watch the waves crash against the Rocks no matter how strong the tide those rocks don't move that is what God's word is like for us when life feels uncertain or when you're wrestling with whether a thought is your own or from
God his word becomes your anchor second Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us all scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching rebuking correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work notice what this verse is saying the Bible is not only useful it equips us completely it trains us to recognize truth and rebuke error it provides Clarity when our thoughts are muddled and corrects us when we start to Veer off course God's word acts as both a compass and a mirror it shows us the way to
go and it reveals the condition of our own Hearts but here's the key we cannot rely on a voice in our heads or even an impression in our hearts without first testing it against scripture God will never contradict his word he cannot tell you one thing in the Bible and another thing in your spirit for instance if you feel led to act in anger or bitterness the Bible clearly refutes that saying be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you Ephesians 4:32 scripture must always be your foundation
God's word isn't just a source of wisdom it is the filter that sifts out what is from him and what is not I urge you to make scripture your first and final Authority before you act on a thought tested against the truth of God's word does it align with his character does it glorify him does it bring peace rather than confusion if you want to discern God's voice you must go deeper into his word I want you to know that there is no shortcut to this you cannot discern God's voice apart from the Bible because
he has already spoken through it to hear him you need to spend time reading it studying it and meditating on it memorizing key verses is one of the most powerful tools for discernment for example when you're unsure about a decision versus like Proverbs 2:6 for the Lord gives wisdom from his mouth become knowledge and understanding can remind you to turn to God for guidance or when you feel overwhelmed by doubt verses like Isaiah 41:10 so do not fear for I am with you do not be dismayed for I am your God can reassure you of
his presence CS Lewis once said it is Christ himself not the Bible who is the true word of God the Bible read in the right spirit and with the guidance of good teachers will bring us to him this captures the heart of why we engage with scripture not just to gain knowledge but to meet the Living God who speaks through its pages I want you to know this if you want to hear from God open your Bible he's already spoken through his word the same God who spoke the universe into existence speak to you through
these Timeless Pages you don't have to live in doubt wondering if what you're hearing is from God or yourself the Bible is your guide your foundation and your Assurance friend trust in the unchanging truth of scripture dive into it daily let it transform your thoughts renew your mind and sharpen your discernment God has not left you to figure this out on your own he has given you you his Word Alive active and ready to guide you listen to it and you will hear his voice loud and clear two the pull of wisdom after understanding the
centrality of scripture in hearing God's voice it's vital to recognize another powerful tool God has given us wisdom while scripture is the ultimate and unchanging standard wisdom acts as inner guidance shaped by the truth of God's word it's the practical application of biblical principles to daily life I want you to know that wisdom is God's gift to help us make decisions where the Bible might not give explicit instructions wisdom is not just knowledge or intelligence it is a spiritual Insight rooted in a deep relationship with God it's the ability to apply God's word to complex
situations weighing what aligns with his will James 1:5 reminds us if any of you lacks wisdom you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to you this verse is a promise not a mere suggestion God is ready and eager to pour out his wisdom when we humbly seek it unlike scripture which is specific and unchanging wisdom will Works dynamically in our hearts and Minds it's how we navigate decisions that aren't directly addressed in the Bible such as which job to take which city to live in or
how to handle a relationship Conflict for example the Bible won't tell you whether to accept a particular job offer but wisdom shaped by your prayer life and scripture will guide you to evaluate your motives priorities and God's calling CS Lewis beautifully Illustrated this in Mere Christianity where he wrote Good and Evil both increase at compound interest that is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance in other words wisdom is built in the everyday moments each small decision informed by God's truth lays the groundwork for Discerning his voice
in larger matters beloved wisdom doesn't come overnight it is cultivated over time shaped by a life rooted in trust and intimacy with God I want you to know that growing in wisdom is a journey that involves seeking him through prayer immersing yourself in his word and Faithfully walking with him through life's experiences it begins with prayer true wisdom starts with humility the willing willingness to admit that we don't have all the answers when we approach god with a surrendered heart he Delights in guiding us when you face uncertainty don't rush ahead pause pray and listen
ask God to align your heart with his to give you Clarity and peace wisdom is also built upon the unshakable foundation of scripture the Bible isn't just a book it is alive offering guidance and Truth for every situation as you immerse yourself in God's word the Holy Spirit brings it to life applying Timeless principles to your daily walk passages you may have read countless times suddenly reveal fresh Insight providing Clarity and Direction just when you need it most finally wisdom is refined through life's experiences grows as we trust God in the trials and challenges that
shape our faith each step of obedience every lesson learned deepens our understanding of his ways Psalm 37:5 reminds us commit your way to the Lord trust in him and he will do this trusting him through both Joy and hardship equips us to discern his voice with greater confidence and assurance wisdom is not a destination but a lifelong journey with God a journey where he lovingly shapes us to walk in his truth keep seeking keep trusting and he will make your path clear I want you to know that God doesn't expect you to have all the
answers he knows that life can be confusing and decisions can be overwhelming but he also promises to walk with you every step of the way offering wisdom when you seek it be encouraged you are not alone in this journey God is your Shepherd and his wisdom is like a lamp to your feet and a light to your path Psalm 119 ver5 the more you walk with him the more attuned you'll become to his voice so when you face a tough decision don't rely on your own understanding instead ask God for wisdom trust him to guide
you even when the way forward seems unclear remember he Delights in leading his children friend wisdom is God's gift to help you navigate the uncertainties of life and as you grow in wisdom you will find yourself better equipped to discern his voice and make choices that honor him trust the process trust his heart he will not fail you three The Whisper of the holy spirit in our journey of learning to discern between our thoughts and God's voice one of the most intimate ways God communicates is through the whisper of the holy spirit it's not always
loud or obvious it often comes in a still Small Voice much like the one Elijah encountered in First Kings 19:12 after the earthquake came a fire but the Lord was not in the fire and after the fire came a gentle whisper the Holy Spirit doesn't shout over the noise of Our Lives he speaks gently intentionally and directly to our hearts the holy spirit's voice is personal guiding Us in areas where scripture may not provide Specific Instructions he may lead us to reconcile a broken relationship encourage someone or take a step of faith that seems daunting
these Whispers always align with God's word and character bringing peace and Clarity not confusion or fear it's crucial to note that the Holy Spirit never contradicts scripture he will not call you to act in a way that is contrary to God's revealed Truth for instance if you feel prompted to forgive someone that's consistent with the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:14-15 however if a thought urges you to act out of Revenge or bitterness you can be sure it is not from the spirit of God let me share a story of a time I experienced the
holy spirit's whisper I had been wrestling with a strained friendship harsh words had been exchanged and though I prayed about the situation I still felt uncertain about how to move forward one morning during my quiet time I felt an unmistakable whisper Reach Out apologize even if it wasn't all your fault it wasn't what my pride wanted to hear but I knew it was the spirit speaking I hesitated at first but the whisper kept coming accompanied by a deep sense of peace I reached out apologized and opened the door to reconciliation What followed was a conversation
filled with healing and Grace that I couldn't have orchestrated on my own that gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit not only restored a friendship but also deepened my understanding of God's heart for relationships this is how the Holy Spirit works his Whispers often require humility and Faith but they always lead us closer to God's will you may often wonder how to discern the gentle Whispers of the Holy Spirit from the noise of your own thoughts understanding his voice requires a heart tuned to God and there are guiding principles to help you recognize when he is
speaking the holy spirit always aligns with scripture he will never contradict the word of God for the Bible is the ultimate standard of Truth when you sense a prompting ask yourself does this reflect what God's word teaches for instance if you feel led to step out of your comfort zone to serve someone in need this aligns with jesus' teaching to love your neighbor as yourself Mark 12:31 the spirit's voice is consistent with God's truth and knowing scripture is key to recognizing his guidance his Whispers also bring peace and Clarity the spirit does not bring confusion
and anxiety or fear as Philippians 4:7 promises the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus if a thought or decision leaves you feeling restless or rushed pause and pray the holy spirit's guidance often brings a sense of calm reassurance even in the midst of uncertainty prayer and godly counsel often provide confirmation the spirit Works through others in the body of Christ to affirm his leading if you are unsure about a prompting seek wisdom from trusted believers who are grounded in scripture and prayer their discernment can
help illuminate the path God has set before you finally obedience sharpens your ability to discern his voice the more you respond to the spirit's gentle nudges the clear his guidance becomes Jesus said my sheep listen to my voice I know them and they follow me John 10: 27 Like a Shepherd guiding his flock the spirit leads us with care and our obedience deepens our ability to hear him more distinctly recognizing the holy spirit's voice is a journey of Faith one built on trust prayer and daily surrender as you seek him you will come to know
the gentle unmistakable sound of his Whispers trust in his leading for he will never fail to guide you on the path of Truth and peace children of God I want you to know that the Holy Spirit speaks to you because he cares deeply about your life he sees every detail your Joys your struggles your questions and he desires to guide you his whispers are not random they are intentional aimed at helping you walk in God's perfect will perhaps you've been hesitating to act on a nudge from the spirit maybe he's been whispering to you about
forgiving someone stepping into a Ministry or letting go of a burden you've been carrying for far too long trust that his guidance is for your good as Romans 8:14 declares for those who are led by the spirit of God are the children of God you are his child and he is committed to leading you Faithfully I want to encourage you to quiet your heart and listen for his voice turn off the noise of the world the distractions the busyness the doubts and make space for his gentle Whispers they may not always come in the way
you expect but they will come when you hear that still small voice don't ignore it don't dismiss it as a random thought instead lean in with faith and humility trust that the holy spirit is speaking directly to you guiding you toward what is good right and lifegiving remember brothers and sisters The Same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you Romans 8:1 he is your counselor your comforter and your guide trust his Whispers for they are never wasted they are the voice of a loving father drawing you closer to him and his perfect
plan for your life four avoiding the Trap of legalism and confusion as we seek to discern between our thoughts and God's voice one of the greatest pitfalls we must avoid is the Trap of legalism and confusion it's all too easy to slip into to a mindset that either over analyzes every thought or assumes every feeling is a direct word from God these extremes legalism on one side and emotional confusion on the other can lead us away from the freedom and peace that Christ desires for us legalism at its core is an attempt to earn God's
favor by rigidly adhering to rules or formulas often placing bir burdens on ourselves that God never intended confusion on the other hand arises when we rely solely on fleeting emotions or personal desires interpreting them as Divine guidance without testing them against God's word both traps Rob us of the joy and Clarity that come from a balanced spirit-led relationship with God legalism can be tormenting because it shifts our Focus from God's grace to our own efforts it Whispers lies like if you don't hear God perfectly you'll miss his plan or you need to analyze every decision
to make sure it's his will this mindset produces fear guilt and a constant sense of inadequacy Paul reminds us of the freedom we have in Christ in Galatians 5:1 it is for Freedom that Christ has set us free stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery the Yoke of slavery can take many forms including the belief that we must decipher God's will with flawless Precision to avoid his displeasure but God doesn't operate like that his guidance is not meant to be a test of our worthiness but an
invitation into a loving partnership to illustrate let's consider Mary and Martha in Luke 10: 38-42 Martha caught up in the busyness of doing everything right missed the simple joy of sitting at jesus' feet Mary on the other hand chose the better portion resting in his presence legalism often causes us to become like Martha striving so hard to please God that we lose sight of the relationship he desires with us us on the flip side relying solely on emotions or assuming that every thought is from God can lead to chaos our feelings are fickle and easily
influenced by circumstances fatigue or even the opinions of others Proverbs 28:26 reminds us those who trust in themselves are fools but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe consider a young Christian who feels a strong desire to make a major life decision perhaps quitting a job or moving to a new city based solely on a fleeting emotion without seeking confirmation through prayer scripture or wise counsel they may later realize that the decision was driven by their own desires rather than God's leading this doesn't mean God can't speak through our emotions he often uses them
to nudge Us in the right direction but we must test these feelings against his word and seek confirmation through prayer and wise counsel ensuring they align with his truth friend I want you to know this God's guidance is not a burden it is a gift he doesn't want you to live in fear of making a mistake or missing his will instead he calls you to trust him not just your ability to hear hear him but his ability to Lead You In moments of Doubt or decision remember the words of Psalm 37: 23- 24 the Lord
makes firm the steps of the one who Delights in him though he may stumble he will not fall for the Lord upholds him with his hand even when we misstep God's grace is sufficient to redirect us and guide us back to his path allow me to remind you today you don't need to overthink every decision God isn't a harsh Taskmaster waiting to punish you for misinterpreting his voice he is a loving father who knows your heart and desires to guide you with Clarity and peace so how do we avoid these traps stay rooted in scripture
surround yourself with Godly counsel and cultivate a habit of prayerful listening recognize that God's voice brings peace not torment and Clarity not confusion his word is your anchor and his spirit is your guide I want you to know that God's will for your life is not hidden or mysterious it's a reflection of his heart for you he Delights in walking with you through every decision big or small when confusion or legalism Creeps in take a deep breath and remember this you are his child and he is for you rest in his grace knowing that even
when you don't have all the answers he does trust him for he is faithful trust him for he is good trust him because he has promised never to leave you nor forsake you and as you trust him you will find the freedom and joy of walking in his will step by step day by day five God speaks through wonders and circumstances when we think of discerning God's voice our minds often turn to scripture prayer and the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit but did you know that God also speaks to us through external signs wonders
and circumstances he is the god of creation and there is no limit to how he can communicate his will whether through dreams Visions or even the unfolding of events in our lives God uses extraordinary ways to confirm his guidance yet we must approach these methods with both faith and wisdom ensuring that we remain anchored in his word throughout scripture God often communicated through dreams and Visions consider the story of Joseph in Genesis 37 as a Young Man Joseph received dreams from God that foretold his future and his role in delivering his family during a time
of famine while those dreams were misunderstood by his brothers and even by Joseph at the time they were unmistakably part of God's divine plan in Acts 2:17 Peter reminds us of the prophetic promise in the last days God says I will pour out my spirit on all people your sons and daughters will prophesy your young men will see Visions your old men will dream dreams this verse reassures us that God is still actively speaking to his people in extraordinary ways dreams and Visions often serve as a means of divine encouragement direction or warning perhaps you've
experienced a moment where when a vivid dream or a sudden picture in your mind seemed to carry a message of reassurance or guidance but how can you discern if it's truly from God the key is to test it does the message align with scripture does it draw you closer to God or away from him does it bring peace or confusion the Apostle Paul urges Us in 1 Thessalonians 5: 21 test all things hold fast to what is good another way God communicates is through the circumstances of Our Lives sometimes doors will open or close in
ways that seem almost too specific to be coincidence perhaps a conversation with a stranger provides the confirmation you've been praying for or a job opportunity arises just as you've been seeking God's Direction take the story of Jonah as an example God used Jonah's circumstances to guide him back to obedience a storm a ship and even a great fish were all part of God's way of directing Jonah to fulfill his mission in Nineveh while we may not encounter such dramatic signs God often works in the natural order of Our Lives to steer Us in his Direction
however circumstances must be interpreted carefully a closed door doesn't always mean no just as an open door doesn't always mean yes Proverbs 16:9 reminds us in their hearts humans plan their course but the Lord establishes their steps it's crucial to remain in prayer and allow God to interpret the events in our lives rather than jumping to conclusions based on what seems convenient or logical while God is certainly capable of speaking through signs and wonders we must guard against over relying on these external methods of discernment Jesus himself warned in Matthew 12:39 a wicked and adulterous
generation asks for a sign this doesn't mean we should ignore God's extraordinary ways of speaking but it does mean we should be cautious not to demand signs as proof of his presence or guidance faith is not rooted in dramatic displays of God's power but in quiet trust God often chooses to communicate in ways that require faith and attentiveness rather than through spectacles that demand no trust his love is often hidden beneath the surface requiring us to look beyond the obvious and Trust in his presence even when we cannot see it directly our foundation must always
be scripture external signs should never contradict God's word nor should they replace it as our primary source of Truth signs and wonders are meant to point us back to God not become the object of our faith beloved I want you to know this God is still the God of Wonders he hasn't stopped performing Miracles and he hasn't ceased using extraordinary means to guide his children but his wonders are never meant to confuse or distract they are meant to draw us deeper into his presence and his word stay open to his extraordinary ways be willing to
see his hand in the unexpected whether through a dream a vision or the unfolding of your circumstances but as you do remain anchored in his word trust that his scripture is the ultimate filter through which every other form of guidance must pass God's voice will always align with his character his guidance will bring peace not chaos his direction will strengthen your faith not lead you into doubt and his ways even when extraordinary will always point you to the one who loves you with an everlasting love so take heart whether through his word his spirit or
his wonders God is speaking to you listen with faith discern with wisdom and trust that he will guide you with Clarity and Grace he is the god who still speaks and he is the god who will never leave you nor forsake you family in Christ as we draw this discussion to a close I want you to know that God is not a god of confusion but of Peace the Apostle Paul reminds us in in 1 Corinthians 14:33 that our God is orderly and intentional in his guidance his voice is not meant to perplex or burden
you but to lead you gently into his perfect will when we root ourselves in his word listen for The Whispers of his spirit and seek Godly wisdom we begin to hear his voice with Clarity and confidence the Journey of discernment is not about striving but about surrender it's about trusting that the God who formed you who knows every hair on your head will not abandon you to navigate life's decisions alone so I urge you today to take a step of Faith spend time in prayer and scripture asking God for the gift of discernment trust that
he will answer for he is a generous father who gives wisdom to all who ask lean into his presence and let his peace guide your heart if this message has resonated with you I invite you to like subscribe and share it with someone who might need encouragement in Discerning God's voice thank you for being part of this journey may God fill your heart with peace strengthen your faith and lead you into his perfect will oh
