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3 ways to tell the difference when you’re listening for Him.

One of the most common questions I hear is, “How do I know if it’s God speaking or just my own thoughts?” The truth is, discerning His voice takes time and practice — but it’s not meant to be a guessing game. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). That means hearing Him is part of the normal Christian life.

Here are three ways to grow in discernment:

1. Check it against Scripture – God’s voice will never contradict His Word. If it’s out of line with the Bible, it’s not from Him.
2. Look for the fruit – His voice brings peace, clarity, and a deeper love for Him and others, even when it challenges you.
3. Seek wise confirmation – Share what you sense with mature believers who listen well to God. Their perspective can help affirm or redirect you.

Discernment also comes from relationship. The more time you spend with Him — in prayer, in Scripture, in quiet — the more familiar His voice becomes. It’s like recognizing a friend’s voice in a crowded room because you’ve spent so much time together.

This month, when you think you might be hearing from God, pause and run it through these filters. Over time, you’ll find it gets easier to recognize when He’s speaking and to respond with confidence.

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