Prayer: Week #4

How Do You Hear From God and Know It's Really Him?

Over the past few weeks, we've talked about when and where we can pray, what we can talk to God about, and things that might be keeping us from hearing Him.

But there's another question I hear a lot: How do I actually hear from God? And how do I know it's really Him and not just my own thoughts?

I think this is something many of us struggle with, especially when we're going through something difficult or just trying to figure out what to do next. We want God's help, but we're not always sure how to hear what He's telling us.

Here's something important to remember: Prayer is meant to be a conversation with God, not just a time to tell Him what we need.

Think about your closest friends. If you did all the talking and never gave them a chance to share, you wouldn't have much of a relationship! The same is true with God.

So how do we hear from Him, and how can we tell if it's really Him?

1. Get to Know His Voice Through the Bible

Hearing from God doesn't necessarily mean hearing an audible voice. One of the most important ways He speaks to us is through the Bible.

Scripture helps us recognize whether something we're sensing is from God because He'll never tell us something that goes against what He's already said in His Word.

Let's say someone has hurt you, and you feel like God might be telling you to talk with them about it. Before you do, think about what the Bible teaches us about forgiveness, kindness, and speaking the truth in love. God may be prompting you to say something, but He also cares about what you say and how you say it.

Or maybe you're facing a big decision, like leaving a job, moving, or trying something outside your comfort zone. You wonder if God might be nudging you in a certain direction, but you're not sure. You probably won't find a Bible verse telling you exactly what to do, but Scripture can help you understand what matters to God, examine your motives, and make choices that line up with what He teaches.

Jesus tells us in John 14:26 that the Holy Spirit will teach us and remind us of what He has said.

I love that we don't have to figure everything out on our own. God wants us to talk things through with Him.

And here's something I have mentioned before and find super comforting. If you've put your faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives in you. He's always with you, helping you understand what God wants you to know and how He wants you to live. So when you read something in the Bible that doesn't make sense, that's okay. I certainly don't always understand everything I read. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand it, and don't get discouraged if it doesn't make sense right away. Sometimes understanding comes as we keep reading, praying, and spending time with God.

The more time we spend in God's Word, the better we get to know His character and understand what matters to Him.

2. Take Time to Be Quiet

For years, when I prayed, I did all the talking. I'd tell God what was happening, what I needed, and what I hoped He would do. Then I'd get up and go about my day.

I never really gave Him a chance to speak!

Now I try to spend some time sitting quietly with Him. I'll ask, God, what do You want me to know right now? Is there something You want me to do?

Then I sit and wait.

Does something amazing happen every time? No. Sometimes my mind wanders to my grocery list or everything I need to get done that day.

But I've learned I don't have to fill every moment with talking. And I've also learned that sitting quietly with God isn't wasted time, even when I don't feel like He's telling me anything.

Sometimes a Scripture comes to mind. Other times I realize I need to look at something differently, reach out to someone, or stop worrying about something and trust God with it.

I don't assume every thought is from God, but I do pay attention and consider what He might be showing me.

If this is new to you, start with just a few minutes. Find a quiet place, put your phone away, and give yourself time to be still.

3. Pay Attention to What People Are Saying

Sometimes God uses other people to help us see something we might have missed on our own.

Maybe you've been praying about a decision, and a friend says something that speaks directly to what you've been wrestling with. Or you hear something in a pastor's sermon, read something in a book, or hear a comment during Bible study that helps you see things differently.

I love those moments when something you hear or read makes you stop and think, Wow, I really needed to hear that!

When you're struggling, it can also help to talk it through with a trusted Christian friend. Ask them to pray about it too and share anything they feel God might be putting on their heart.

Proverbs 15:22 reminds us how valuable wise advice can be.

Of course, not everything someone tells you is a message from God. And you don't want to keep asking people until someone tells you what you want to hear!

But sometimes another person's insight can help confirm something you've been sensing or point out something you hadn't considered.

4. Notice What's Happening Around You

I also believe God can use everyday situations and experiences to communicate with us.

Maybe you've been praying about an opportunity, and an unexpected door opens. Or you've been considering a certain direction, but things keep falling through.

But we need to be careful here.

Not every open door means God wants us to walk through it, and not every closed door means He's telling us to give up. I know

Just because something falls into place easily doesn't necessarily mean it's from God. And just because something is difficult doesn't mean He isn't leading us in that direction. Sometimes doing what God wants takes courage and perseverance.

So instead of treating every circumstance as a sign from God, look at the bigger picture.

Does it line up with Scripture? Does it fit with God's character? Have you prayed about it and talked with someone whose wisdom you trust?

And here's another question worth asking: Am I really open to what God wants, or am I looking for signs that He's agreeing with what I already want to do?

I think part of hearing from God is being willing to hear something different from what we were hoping He'd say.

5. Don't Feel Like You Have to Figure It Out Right Away

I know how frustrating it can be when you really want an answer and aren't sure what God is telling you.

Maybe you're praying about a relationship, when to retire, or something going on in your family. You want to do what God wants, but you're afraid of getting it wrong.

I've been there!  I've had several situations where I am wondering if God wants me to preservere, or if He's trying to close that door. It can be hard to know but I have found the more I really listen the more I will know what to do. 

Sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves to hear God perfectly that we're afraid to make any decision at all. But remember, God loves you. He's not trying to make following Him a guessing game.

James 1:5 reminds us that when we need wisdom, we can ask God, and He gives generously.

That doesn't mean we'll always get a clear answer right away. Sometimes we need to keep praying, learning, and taking the next wise step. Other times, we need to wait.

And while we're waiting, God may be working on something in us, too. Maybe He's teaching us patience, helping us trust Him more, or helping us let go of our need to be in control.

So What Can You Do This Week?

Here's something I'd love for you to try.

Spend a little time talking to God about what's on your heart. Tell Him what you're thankful for, what you're struggling with, and where you need His help.

Then ask, God, what do You want me to know? Is there something You want me to do?

I think it's important that when we pray, we actually expect to hear from God. He wants to communicate with us, so let's come to Him believing He will and paying attention to what He might be showing us.

Read your Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand it. Sit quietly for a few minutes and pay attention to what comes to mind.

If you feel like God might be leading you toward something, take time to see if it lines up with Scripture and His character. Keep praying, talk with someone you trust, and pay attention to what's happening around you.

And if you're still unsure, that's okay. I think this chart can be really helpful when you want to know if it's God's voice. 

Jeremiah 29:13 says, "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." (ESV)

I love that reminder. God wants us to seek Him, and He wants us to know Him.

More than anything, I hope prayer becomes something you look forward to, not just another thing on your to-do list.

You don't need perfect prayers or fancy words. You can talk to God anywhere, anytime. He's always happy to hear from you, and He wants you to hear from Him, too!

Prayer isn't just about getting answers. It's about growing closer to the One who loves you.