Does God still speak? And if so, how do we recognize his voice amid all the noise? We pray for guidance. We ask God to answer our prayers. And Scripture assures us that He does.

But hearing God isn’t about waiting for a booming voice from heaven to pierce through. God has given us clear ways to discern his leading.

First, God speaks through His Word. The Bible isn’t just a history book—it’s living and active (Hebrews 4:12). If you want to recognize God’s voice, you have to spend time in God’s Word. He will never contradict what He has already revealed. The same Spirit who guides believers today inspired the prophets and apostles. So when someone says, “God told me,” but what they claim runs against Scripture, that isn’t God speaking.

Second, God often speaks and confirms His callings through His people. Christianity was never meant to be a solo journey. Proverbs tells us there is safety in many counselors. God uses leaders, friends, small groups, and mature believers to confirm direction. Sometimes someone else sees what we’re blind to. If you’re making a major decision without seeking godly counsel, you’re setting yourself up for trouble.

Third, God speaks with His still, small voice. Elijah discovered that God wasn’t in the wind, earthquake, or fire—but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19). God usually doesn’t shout. He nudges. He convicts and prompts your conscience. That means we have to slow down and turn off distractions, because a crowded life makes it hard to hear a gentle God.

Finally, God confirms through peace, the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). This isn’t just feeling comfortable or safe. It’s a settled assurance that remains even when the decision is hard. God’s peace doesn’t eliminate risk, but it gives stability in the middle of it.

Hearing God’s voice is about walking faithfully with Christ—grounded in Scripture, connected to community, attentive to conscience, and guided by peace. It’s not chasing after an “experience.”

Jesus said, My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. If you stay close to the Shepherd, you’ll recognize his voice. Follow! 

Maranatha,

Jordy