The Vibes You FeelSample

Discerning the Voice of God

How can we be sure the “prompting” is from the Holy Spirit, not Satan, the flesh, or our thoughts? These are the checks we need to run through our heads:

• The Holy Spirit will never lead one of God’s children to do something contrary to what’s written in the Scriptures.
• The push from the Holy Spirit will always lead us toward Christ. He always points us in that direction, and it’s always toward seeking things that give us a deeper revelation of Jesus’s identity.
• The Holy Spirit’s message will always be one to build up, not tear down—moving us toward the good and opposing human impulses. This also refers to relationships. God’s Spirit seeks to help his children forgive and attempt to reconcile. The Bible tells us, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2–3 NIV).
• God’s Spirit always gives a choice—follow him or don’t. The Holy Spirit leads Christians. While he wants us to listen for our good, he is not forcing us to do anything.

As a believer grows in their relationship with Christ, it will be easier to discern the voice of God. God’s voice may not be audible, but we can have a sense of hearing, knowing, and understanding.

Be warned—Satan and the flesh are always at war within us, fighting against Spirit-filled promptings. The flesh interferes, Satan distracts, and often shows us how to further our agenda during these moments. The Word of God, godly counsel, and time in prayer are all ways our ears become sensitive to God’s voice. As the song says, “Keep your mind stayed on Jesus.” The writer of Hebrews also reminds us, “Fix your eyes on Jesus” (see Hebrews 12:1–2).

Father, I thank you for your Holy Spirit. Thank you for your patience with me and for wanting me to have answers. God, I thank you for giving me a helper to assist me every day of this life you’ve called me to live. I ask that you forgive me for ignoring the details, instructions, warnings, your voice, or whatever you’ve sent me. Today, I acknowledge that the Holy Spirit is with me, and I’m completely open to this relationship. I acknowledge your power. Thank you for being willing to project your Spirit to me to accomplish your will. You are alive in me. You are the force to be reckoned with. You are greater than any power. You gave your Son as my redeemer and your Spirit as my help (John 14:26). Thank you that I choose to listen. I thank you for giving this part of you to intercede on my behalf (Romans 8:26). Forgive me for downplaying moments when you’re speaking as if it was something small. I choose to be better with you and will be more attentive to your nudges. Thank you for the unction from your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’s name, amen.