God’s voice hasn’t always been distinct to me. Often, I find myself wondering if what I’m hearing is truly his voice or simply my own thoughts. One morning, while taking a walk, I sought God’s counsel. As I meditated under the sunny sky, His voice felt unmistakably clear.
At the time, my term as a School Board Member was ending, and I needed to decide whether to run for a second term. My daughter was leaving for college, and my son was close to finishing high school. My role as a full-time homemaker was shifting and I felt lost, unsure of my identity moving forward.
Out of fear, I chose to take control instead of listening to God’s distinct call for me to write. I decided to serve a second term even though I had heard differently on my walk. The timing of my decision proved challenging. COVID-19 soon hit, bringing endless uncertainties and unrest within our community. The emotional toll weighed on me, keeping me from fully embracing God’s call to write. Halfway through my second term, I chose to step down, finally ready to be obedient to his calling.
Doubt and fear dominated my decision instead of heeding his clear direction. Following his voice requires faith even though there may be imposing uncertainty, especially when the path isn’t clear. However, God calls us to reject fear, telling it to flee and trust his voice.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” — Deuteronomy 31:6
Time and again, God tells us to not be afraid, providing numerous examples in Scripture of how he guided his people through seemingly impossible tasks. Fear can cause us to take the reign into our own hands especially in the noisy world where we live.
We are surrounded by information on how to live as Christians—sermons, Bible studies, and endless resources on what a faithful life should look like. Information can be essential, but it is more important to spend time with God directly, to learn to discern his voice and determine whether it lines up with what we are hearing. Ephesians 4:14 warns us not to be swayed by every new idea, but rather, to grow into a maturity that mirrors Christ.
I recently asked a group of women how they hear from God, and their responses were beautifully unique:
- Through prayer and God’s Word.
- By praying for peace—a deep, calming sense when seeking direction.
- Recognizing God’s voice as loving, comforting, and encouraging—even when it challenges us.
- A strong, internal knowing or asking for signs while spending time in nature.
- The counsel of prayerful friends and consistent immersion in the Word.
God’s voice is often like a whisper to me. Sometimes it’s through song lyrics or dreams. Other times, after praying, I hear his voice through conversations or I feel a physical sensation, like chills, signaling the Holy Spirit’s presence. I use God’s Word to test and confirm the guidance I am receiving.
In the Old Testament, God spoke to people in direct and powerful ways. And now, for those who place their faith in Jesus, we are provided a counselor, the Holy Spirit, who guides us. Romans 8:14-16 reminds us:
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
To hear from God, we must quiet our spirit, soul, and body. There are many ways God may speak to us and guide us. We should always ask if what we are hearing aligns with his character and the Bible. If not, it probably isn’t the Lord’s voice. Thessalonians 5:21 states we should test everything we hear.
Although I don’t regret my choice, I do wish I had fully listened to God five years ago. Even though I took a swerved path, God still used that time to teach me lessons; though they were extremely difficult. Those experiences ultimately gave me unique perspectives and grew my faith.
Even though we may have seasons of doubt and fear, we can trust God will continue to sanctify us and equip us to do the work he asks of us.
