How can you be sure that you are hearing God's voice correctly?

On Sundays, we come together as a ‘family group from 0 to 100’ to encourage, inspire, and strengthen one another in our faith and in following Jesus.

We believe that everyone has something precious to share or to offer to Jesus. (1 Cor. 14:26) And we trust that our Body is made up of many parts, each with its own unique and essential role. (1 Cor. 12)

Some of the things we share and learn together are also great to use in a blog or to bring into your own group or family.

How Can You Be Sure You're Hearing God's Voice Correctly?

By Hanna Pruim

One of the key topics we've been exploring together lately is the language of the spiritual realm, the language of God, and how we can clearly distinguish His voice from all the other voices around us. Just as in the natural world, there’s a universal language and every nation has its own tongue, the spiritual world also has a universal language, alongside the languages of different angelic tribes and, of course, the language of tongues. A question that keeps coming up among us is this: How can I be sure that I’m truly hearing God's voice? Recently, we learned how to correctly interpret His voice and we discovered that it has everything to do with the condition of our heart and the desires that live within us.

Let me explain this using the example of a compass. A compass is a navigation tool sailors used to find their direction. Inside, there’s a needle that always points north, drawn by the magnetic force of the North Pole.

Our hearts , our will and emotions, form desires inside us that act like a powerful magnet, pulling the needle of our inner compass. And if we don't take control over those desires, they will automatically steer the direction we go.

It’s especially our earthly desires which the Bible calls "fleshly desires", that exert the strongest pull. These desires tug us toward worldly things, away from God’s voice and away from His Word. Even when we've set our hearts on doing God's will, our flesh still acts like a super-strong magnet, trying to drag the compass needle in its own direction.

For example: If you’re determined to make a lot of money, your heart will naturally tune in to voices and opportunities that seem to lead you to that goal. Or if you’re traveling and desperately need a bathroom, your entire focus will zero in on finding one. Whatever your mind constantly dwells on will determine the direction you move. And when it fully consumes you, it leaves no room for anything else, even God’s voice.

I remember when one of our children was a baby who cried constantly. At some point, that sound took over everything inside me. I started hearing the crying everywhere, in songs on the radio, in the hum of the car engine, even in the kitchen fan. I couldn’t shut off that sound until I had finally gotten some rest. That’s why it's so important to become aware of your desires and bring them under control. One way to do this is through regular fasting. You can fast from food, but also from things like Netflix, shopping, sports, or even constant socializing.

Now, strong desires and earthly pleasures aren’t necessarily bad. But they are never meant to rule over you. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is ready to help us guard our hearts and hear God's voice clearly and purely.

"My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Give careful thought to the[c] paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."

In Proverbs 4:20-27, a father offers his son four timeless pieces of advice:

1. Open your heart to God’s voice.

Just like the father says to his son, we need to consciously keep our hearts open, day and night, to hear what God is saying. This means choosing to put our own will and ideas in second place, allowing God’s words to take first place.

2. Keep wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in sight — and store them deep in your heart.

This is about meditating on God’s Word, thinking about it deeply until it becomes part of who you are. "Stored deep in your heart" means it's no longer just knowledge, it has transformed you. The father says wisdom, understanding, and knowledge bring health to your entire body. When these things shape you, you’ll experience balance and wholeness. He also says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." That means we need to know what's stirring inside us and bring our desires, will, and emotions under the control of God’s Spirit, in line with His wisdom and knowledge.

3. Be careful with your words.

He warns his son not to let his mouth speak corrupt or wrong things. Why? Because our words have creative power. What we believe and see in our hearts can come to life through our words, or be destroyed by them. Speaking words that come from God’s wisdom not only releases power but also directs our hearts and souls toward the right things. David often spoke to his own soul to align it with God’s truth, and so can we.

4. Stay focused on God’s path for your life, don’t get distracted.

This means keeping your eyes fixed on your God-given purpose: worshiping Him, loving Him above all else, loving your neighbor as yourself, and never missing the chance to do good when you can. Make this the greatest desire in your heart and you’ll find that hearing God’s voice becomes much clearer.

We also reflected on what John writes in his letter (1 John 2:13-17):

John tells both fathers and sons: "Hold on to what God has said: you have overcome the evil one!"

How did they overcome? John explains: by not loving the sinful world and its offerings.

Another translation says: "Young men, I write to you, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one."

Think about that: these fathers and sons had already won the victory over the devil! If you turn away from what’s evil and refuse to let even the good things own your heart, you are already living in victory. t’s not wrong to enjoy the good things in the world, but loving them, focusing on them, and losing control over them opens the door for the enemy. The devil tempts us through the strong desires that live in our hearts, because when desires get too strong, we become easy to bribe. The devil even tried to bribe Jesus, playing on His desires, but he failed. Why? Because Jesus was utterly focused on doing God’s will, and He had stored God’s Word deep in His heart.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, today I choose to surrender all my desires to You. I open my heart and my thoughts to hear what You want to say to me, day and night. Help me to hunger more for Your Word and to delight in doing Your will. Help me not to love the world or what it offers but to realize that Your plan for my life will bring me the deepest joy and satisfaction. Thank You that I can grow, and that Your love, faithfulness, and patience are endless. When I stumble, You lift me up again. I praise and thank You, in Jesus’ name, amen.

To memorize:

"My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:20-23)

Questions for reflection or discussion:

1. What are your strongest desires right now?

2. Make a list of both the good and bad things the world offers. If you don’t keep these in check, where do your feet naturally go? What direction does your life take when you focus on those desires?

3. Imagine what would happen if God’s dream for your life completely captured your heart. What positive effects would that have? What potential pitfalls might arise?

Recommended reading:

Proverbs 4:20-27

1 John 2:13-17

Matthew 6:24

James 1:14-15

Luke 4:1-15

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