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In this episode (or blog post, if podcasts aren’t your thing), I’ll uncover…
- What discernment means in the Bible.
- 11 Ways to discern whether something is coming from God or just your own thoughts.
- 3 powerful prayers you can pray for discernment.
Whether you’re looking for a sense of peace, confirmation about something going on in your life, or you’re simply trying to understand what spiritual discernment means, I’ve got you every step of the way.
What is Biblical Discernment
Biblical discernment is the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood, right from wrong, and the voice of God from our own understanding or influences of the world.
Rooted in the Word of God and guided by the Holy Spirit, discernment enables us to navigate the trials and challenges we face with godly wisdom, clarity and confidence.
Discerning God’s voice is more than just making wise choices. It involves developing a discerning heart that seeks the will of God above our own personal desires.
As Hebrews 4:12 describes, the Word of God is like a two-edged sword, penetrating deep to discern the intentions of the heart and revealing the things of the Spirit of God — helping us hear the will of God.
“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.” NIV
What is the Gift of Biblical Discernment
A core principle of biblical discernment is understanding the gift of discernment; a spiritual gift given by the Father God through the Holy Spirit.
This gift equips us to recognize false teachings, avoid deception, and stay aligned with God’s purpose. As you grow closer to God and allow the renewal of your mind, discernment grows through consistent practice in prayer, scripture reading, and obedience to God’s voice.
It helps us stay on the right path, bear good fruit, and make sound decisions that reflect our close relationship with God. Proverbs reminds us that the beginning of wisdom is found in the fear of the Lord, emphasizing that true discernment is tied to a deep reverence for God’s authority.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Proverbs 9:10 ESV
Biblical discernment is a process of spiritual growth, requiring reliance on the Holy Spirit for daily guidance.
Through prayer and study of the Word, we can gain spiritual eyes to see opportunities, recognize open doors, and avoid the traps of an evil spirit. It’s about cultivating an understanding mind and acting with sound judgment as we choose to align our decisions with God’s plan for our lives.
In other words, the gift of biblical discernment enables us to walk in a way that honors God, reflecting His deep love and bringing glory to His name.
A strong indicator that God is speaking is the sense of peace that follows. When God guides, even if He’s calling us to a challenging task, His voice is marked by a sense of calmness and clarity.
The Bible tells us, “God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33), so if the message you’re hearing leads to anxiety, confusion, or fear, it may be a sign that the thoughts you’re having aren’t from Him.
A constant sense of peace signals His presence, while a restless mind often points to our own thoughts and temptations.
How to Discern Whether or Not Something is From God
So how do we know if what we’re hearing is coming from God, our own thoughts running through our head or worldly desires and temptations?
This is something I teach inside my program, Confident Prayer Warrior, but let’s take a moment to unpack eleven ways to discern God’s voice.
1. Discernment in the Bible: Does it Align With Scripture
When you’re unsure whether or not something is coming from our Father, ask yourself, “Does this align with the Word of God?”.
God’s guidance through His Word will bring clarity and assurance, reminding us of the importance of reading Scripture. Remember, God will never ask us to act AGAINST Scripture.
So getting into the Bible is crucial in learning how to discern God’s voice.
Keep in mind, your time with God doesn’t have to look a certain way, nor does it have to look the same every day.
- Listen to a Bible app when you’re on the go or doing chores around the house. (My favorite is the Glorify App).
- Listen to a podcast with biblical lessons on your morning commute, (like A Faithful God Podcast).
- Pull up Bible Gateway and read the verse of the day before you get out of bed in the morning.
There are many ways to immerse yourself in The Word, so don’t get hung up on what you THINK it should look. Instead, learn to find more ways to connect with Him.
2. How to Discern What God Wants: Is it Consistent
God is consistent, and His messages are often confirmed in various ways AND multiple times.
You might receive the same message repeatedly; from a Bible verse, sermon, or even wise counsel from a friend. This confirmation can be reassuring and clarify that God is speaking directly into your life.
For example, if you’ve been praying about a decision and you keep hearing or reading the same verse, this might be God confirming His direction.
God’s wisdom revealed consistently and in multiple ways can bring peace and clarity into your decision-making.
3. Discerning God’s Voice: Does it Bring Peace
One of the clearest indicators that you’re hearing God’s voice is the peace it brings — even in challenging circumstances.
This peace isn’t about the absence of difficulties or struggles. Rather it’s a sense of calm and assurance in the midst of them.
As Philippians 4:7 reminds us,
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ESV
When God speaks, His voice is marked by clarity and stillness, a gentle reassurance that differs from the confusion and anxiety often stirred by our own thoughts or external distractions and temptations.
It’s important to recognize that the peace God provides doesn’t mean the path He’s calling you to will be easy. In fact, nowhere in the Bible does it say that following God will be a carefree walk.
Our Father’s calling can be challenging, stretching us beyond our comfort zones and requiring steadfast faith and perseverance. But even in the face of difficulty, His guidance brings a deep inner calm that anchors us.
For example, when Jesus calmed the storm in Mark, chapter 4, His words brought immediate stillness to the chaos around Him — an image of how Christ’s presence quiets our fears and doubts.
“Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.'” Mark 4:38-39 NIV
This passage reminds us that when we’re trying to discern God’s voice, we can ask ourselves, “Does this bring me a sense of peace, even if it challenges me to trust Him more deeply?”
God’s peace acts as a compass, guiding us through trials with confidence in His presence and provision.
If what you’re hearing causes ongoing confusion, fear, or restlessness, it’s likely not from God, because His voice always aligns with His nature — steadfast, loving, and purposeful.
By leaning into His peace and seeking Him through prayer and scripture, you can develop the discernment to recognize His voice and follow His leading, even in the most uncertain times.
4. How to Discern God’s Will: Does it Bear Fruit
Another great way to discern God’s voice is by examining the potential fruit that your actions will produce.
God’s guidance always leads to positive outcomes aligned with the fruit of the Spirit — such as love, joy, and kindness.
In John 15:5, Jesus says,
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” NIV
When you stay connected to God through prayer and Bible Study, your decisions will bear good fruit; impacting not just your life, but the lives of those around you.
On the other hand, if a choice leads to destruction, division, or selfish gain, it likely stems from your own desires or worldly temptations.
5. How to Discern God’s Voice: Seek Godly Counsel
Seeking godly counsel is another great way to determine if what you’re hearing is from God.
Proverbs 15:22 teaches us,
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” NIV
This verse reminds us that speaking with mature Christians can bring wisdom and perspective in helping us discern whether or not a thought aligns with God’s will. Spiritual gifts like wisdom and discernment often shine through in these conversations, as God uses others to help guide our paths.
When talking with trusted advisors, consider whether their input encourages a fruit of righteousness like love, peace, or joy. If so, it’s likely from God.
Great people of faith, those with a gift of discernment, can help us see past our own earthly desires and hear God’s voice more clearly.
Feeling insecure and overwhelmed by your current prayer life?
Confident Prayer Warrior is the only online program of it’s kind that teaches you how to show up more confidently in your prayer life.
6. How to Recognize if it’s From God: Listen to the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is our greatest helper when it comes to discernment.
Romans 8:26 tells us that the Spirit helps in our weaknesses and intercedes for us according to God’s will.
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” NIV
Developing a close relationship with the Holy Spirit means learning to recognize His subtle nudges, especially in moments of prayer and reflection. A heart attuned to the Spirit grows in spiritual discernment and can distinguish God’s guidance from self-driven thoughts.
The Spirit also provides sound judgment, helping us determine truth in our decision-making process.
Many people refer to the Spirit as a sixth sense,” a spiritual instinct. This spiritual intuition will increase with consistent practice in the Word, daily prayer, and an openness to God’s voice.
7. How to Identify if it’s Coming From God: Does it Align with His Character
Another great way to distinguish God’s voice from personal thoughts and temptations is by testing the message against God’s character.
God’s character is constant.
He’s loving, just, and forgiving. And messages that deviate from His nature — like those that bring shame or push toward pride — are not from Him.
By reading His Word regularly, we gain the powers of discernment by learning about His character and coming to know that His ways always follow the right path for us.
8. Is This Coming From God: Take Time to Reflect
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that sometimes our desires can cloud our judgment, making it difficult to distinguish God’s voice from our own.
Psalm 37:4 encourages us to,
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” NIV
When your desires are aligned with God’s will, your decisions will naturally flow from a place of love and righteousness.
Before acting on what you believe is God’s direction, take time to reflect and check your motives. Are you seeking personal gain, or are you genuinely pursuing God’s will?
The intention of the heart matters deeply to God, and being mindful of our motivations can help us make sound, Spirit-led decisions.
9. Is This God’s Will: Watch for Open Doors and His Timing
God often uses open doors to lead us in His will.
In Revelation 3:8, God says,
“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.” NLT
If you feel God is leading you in a certain direction, look for opportunities that align with this path. His timing can be just as important as the message itself.
When God opens doors, the process often unfolds naturally and without unnecessary force.
In contrast, when doors are closed, it may be God’s way of redirecting us or asking us to wait. As we learn to be patient in His timing, we grow in our faith, trusting in His divine plan for our lives.
10. Recognizing God’s Voice: Prayer to Discern God’s Will
As I teach my students, when there’s something we’re seeking from God, all we have to do is, “make that ask”.
As James 1:5 teaches us, we can ask for wisdom and discernment.
“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.” NIV
You see, God wants to pour out His wisdom on us. He wants to help us navigate our lives and will provide everything we need to do so.
All we have to do is ask.
When we’re unsure about something, we simply make a prayer request — asking for the gift of discernment. Praying with this intention opens our hearts to the voice of God, in turn, strengthening our trust in His guidance.
So ask The Father for the beginning of wisdom and the spirit of truth to guide your decisions. By inviting God into your decision-making process, you’ll open the door to His divine wisdom and alignment in your life.
11. Daily Prayer to Discern God’s Voice
Lastly, and piggy-backing on step #9 above, spending time in daily prayer and scripture reading is essential for developing true discernment.
By maintaining a habit of prayer and Bible study, we keep our spiritual eyes open to God’s guidance. In Philippians 1:9-10, Paul highlights this by saying,
“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” ESV
When we regularly seek God, we grow in depth of insight and gain clarity in our relationship with Him. Daily prayer not only strengthens our connection to God but also aligns our hearts with His; making it easier to discern His voice amid life’s noise.
3 Powerful Prayers for Discernment in the Bible
Speaking of prayer…what do you pray to discern God’s will in your life?
First, it’s important to understand that your words don’t need to be formal or elaborate. Just start talking to Him.
But I understand that it helps to have a starting point. So let’s take a look at three brief, but impactful, prayers to discern God’s will.
Prayer for Discernment and Wisdom
Dear God, I seek Your guidance today as I face these decisions and uncertain times. Grant me the gift of discernment to recognize Your voice and the courage to follow Your will for me. Fill me with Your wisdom and peace so that my choices honor You and bear good fruit in everything I do, and everyone I touch today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for Clarity and Spiritual Insight
Dear Lord God, Open my eyes to see the path You have set before me and to develop a spirit of wisdom. Help me to distinguish between my own thoughts and temptations and Your divine guidance. May Your Word be a lamp to my feet, O Lord, and a light to my path; guiding me toward Your truth, understanding and right judgment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for Alignment with God’s Will
Dear Father God, I surrender my plans and desires to You, asking for clarity and wisdom that align with Your will and help me to make right decisions throughout my day. Teach me to trust Your timing and rely on The Spirit’s leading in every decision I make. Help me to walk in Your ways with faith and confidence, knowing You are always with me. Amen.
11 Ways to Discern if What You’re Hearing is From God
Understanding how to discern God’s voice takes time, patience, and consistent practice. It requires a willing heart and an open mind, ready to receive the spiritual understanding God wants to pour out on you.
By applying these 11 steps, you’ll soon develop a deeper sensitivity to His voice.
It’s important to note, this process isn’t about perfection — it’s about cultivating a heart that seeks His will above all else.
As you grow in discernment, you’ll find greater clarity in your decision-making, creating a deep and meaningful connection to the Lord. You’ll learn to experience His presence in all areas of your life.
As you align your decisions with His Word and character, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that your choices honor Him and reflect His great love to the world.
Remember, God’s voice brings peace, clarity, and assurance.
By trusting in His timing and surrendering your plans for His true wisdom, you can walk boldly on the path He has set before you. Whether it’s a small step of obedience or a leap of faith, God’s guidance will always light your way.
Keep seeking Him through prayer, scripture, and a heart open to His leading, and you’ll soon learn to discern God’s will in your life.
Let’s wrap up with this week’s podcast episode. Carve out a little time for yourself, grab your favorite beverage and join me for, 11 Ways to Discern if What You’re Hearing is from God.
- 00:00 Introduction
- 03:01 What is biblical discernment
- 04:25 How to Start Discerning God’s voice
- 14:12 Three ways to discern God’s will for you
- 22:01 Wrapping Up
[Check out everything mentioned in the show here.]
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Mentioned in Today’s show
Why Can’t You Hear God (Biblical Wisdom) — Episode #146
Why Do We Even Have to Ask — Episode #130
7 Effective Prayer for Spiritual Growth — Episode #98
