You may have a situation, problem or concern that's weighing on your mind and you want guidance. If it's especially hard, you want help — you NEED help. You talk to your family and friends and receive a lot of good advice but you want, no, you NEED to hear from God. But how can you recognize God's voice? You don't want to interpret your own random thoughts and wishes as God's voice, so how do you know the difference? You can start by asking yourself these seven questions:
1. Does it agree with written scripture? God doesn't contradict God's self. “I am the Lord, and I do not change." (Malachi 3:6) We can have confidence in God because God is unchangeable and unchanging. God is immutable. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
2. Does it make me more Christ-like? Jesus is our role model. "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2) Our attitude should be that of Christ. "Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children." (I John 2:29) Do people recognize Christ in us? "God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them." (I John 4:16)
3. Does my church family confirm it? Share with one another because God is there in your midst. Jesus said, “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." (Matthew 18:19-20)
4. Does it conform to how God has shaped me? You are special and unique and God has something in store for your life. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10)
5. Does it concern my responsibility? I am my brother's keeper. The parable of the Good Samaritan clearly teaches this, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who was beaten by the robbers? The man who knew the Law said, 'The one who showed loving-pity on him. Then Jesus said, Go and do the same." (Luke 10:26-27) We are encouraged to always reach out to others. "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10) What kind of responsibilities does this include? "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." (James 1:27) Look out for the welfare of others. "We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves." (Romans 15:1)
6. Does it encourage, uplift or convict me as opposed to discourage, condemn, or judge me? Does the message that comes through scripture, sermons, articles or podcasts occur frequently and consistently challenge you? Does it tear you down or lift you up? Jesus came to lift people up. "When Jesus had raised himself up and saw no one but the woman, he said to her, 'Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' And Jesus said to her, 'Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.'” (John 8:10-11) We all know Jesus' purpose in coming to earth, "God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:17)
7. Do I sense God's peace about it? Does this resonate with God's Spirit in you? "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16) We are told "But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ." (I John 2:27) Pray and don't worry because God's peace will guide your heart. "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
If the message passes these tests and you still aren't sure if you're hearing the voice of God, then test the voice and act on it. The scripture says, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1) You will learn to recognize God's voice because Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27). You will experience the Lord in a new way. "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!" (Psalm 34:8) You will enjoy the word of God for it is "sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb." (Psalm 19:10) God still speaks but sometimes the thunder of the world drowns out God's voice. God's voice is not in the calamity. I am reminded of the story of Elijah in I Kings 19:11-12 "Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper." Yes, God is still speaking but we must listen for the "still small voice" of God.