Trust, Stillness, and the Challenge of Discerning God’s Voice
Hey there, friend. Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Was that really God’s voice, or just my own thoughts?” Discerning God’s voice can be one of the trickiest parts of the Christian journey. We want to obey Him, but sometimes we’re just not sure what He’s saying – or if He’s saying anything at all. In the midst of that uncertainty, two qualities can make a world of difference: trust and stillness. Cultivating a trusting heart and a still soul creates an environment where God’s voice becomes clearer. Let’s unpack that, and hopefully encourage you if you’re struggling with this very challenge.
When You’re Unsure It’s God
I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve second-guessed whether I’m truly hearing God or not. Even after years of following Jesus, there are moments I pause and think, “God, is that You or just me?” It’s a completely normal question. We are complex beings with lots of thoughts and influences swirling around – our own ideas, the opinions of others, random fears or hopes, not to mention the sneaky lies the enemy tries to throw at us. Distinguishing God’s voice in that mix can feel daunting.
Recently on my podcast, my friend Amanda recounted how she dealt with this doubt the first time she felt God speak. When God prompted her to pick up some trash (as I shared previously), her initial reaction was exactly that: “Is this God, or is it just my brain?” She even thought, maybe I’m going a little crazy! And you know, that is okay to wonder. God isn’t offended when we test what we’re sensing – in fact, the Bible encourages us to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1) and to seek confirmation for important matters. The challenge is to not get paralyzed by analysis. If Amanda had sat down and over-analyzed that thought, she might have convinced herself it was too silly and talked herself out of obeying. Instead, she took a step of faith.
One piece of advice that has helped both her and me is this: if the prompting in your heart aligns with Scripture and the character of Christ, and it encourages you toward love or holiness, it’s very likely from God. We may not be 100% certain, but if it passes those tests, we can act on it in faith. And here’s the comfort – if somehow we misheard, God’s grace can cover it. He sees the intention of our heart to please Him. He’s a Father who would rather we try to listen and occasionally get it wrong than never try at all. Think of a toddler learning to walk: the parent doesn’t scold the child for stumbling in the attempt; they applaud the effort and help them up. Similarly, your Heavenly Father is cheering you on as you endeavor to discern His voice.
Of course, for bigger decisions or directions, it’s wise to seek counsel from Scripture and mature believers. God’s voice will never tell you to do something contrary to the Bible’s teachings. And often, if He’s truly leading you in a significant way, He’ll confirm it through multiple sources – maybe through a timely verse, a sermon that speaks exactly to your situation, or advice from a godly friend who without knowing your situation says something that hits home. Those are precious “aha” moments where you sense God saying, “Yes, that was Me. Keep following.” But when you’re in that fog of uncertainty, take heart: even the apostles had to learn by experience. Peter thought he heard Jesus on the water saying “Come,” but it took stepping out of the boat to really find out (Matthew 14:28-29)! We usually have to step out to find out.
Trusting God’s Heart Above All
I believe at the core of discerning God’s voice is trusting the heart of God. Why do I link those? Because if I fundamentally trust that God is good, loving, and faithful, I will have the confidence to act on what I think He’s saying, even if I have some uncertainty. Trust is what moves us from hesitation to action. It’s saying, “Lord, I think this is You, and because I trust You, I’m going to obey as best I know how. If I mess up, I trust You’ll still take care of me.”
Amanda shared that over the years of learning to hear God, she realized God was after her trust even more than her ability to get every message right. He wanted her heart fully reliant on Him. She found a lot of inspiration in how David related to God. If you read the Psalms, you see David pour out all his emotions – confusion, fear, joy, repentance – yet underlying it all, he keeps declaring his trust in God’s character. David wasn’t a perfect man, but he was called “a man after God’s own heart.” Why? One reason is that David was quick to obey and trust God, even when it was hard. There were times God told David something that guaranteed hardship (like that he would be king, but only after a long period of being hunted by Saul). David clung to God’s voice and promises through years of difficulty, trusting that God would be true to His word in the end. And God was.
There’s a Psalm (27:13-14) where David says, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord… Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” To me, that sounds like a man who has decided to trust God no matter what, and in that trust he finds the strength to wait and listen. Trust and stillness are intertwined. When you trust someone, you’re willing to wait for them, you’re at peace even in silence, because you know their character.
In my own life, one of the biggest tests of discerning God’s voice came when I sensed Him leading me to make a major life change – shifting from a career I was deeply invested in (and comfortable with) into something completely unknown. On paper, it didn’t add up. In my heart, I believed God had spoken – a still, small voice during my quiet time, nudging me toward writing and ministry. But wow, was that hard to trust! I remember sitting on my couch, literally crying, and asking, “God, is this really You? If I step out and I’m wrong, it’s going to cost me so much.” It was a real fear. In that season, I had to lean into God’s character like never before. Scriptures about God’s faithfulness became my anchor. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5) was one I repeated often. I realized that if I truly believed God is who He says He is – a Good Shepherd, a Loving Father, the One who works all things for my good – then I could trust His voice, even if it led me into the unknown. I took the leap, with trembling hands and heart, and said “yes.” And you know what? God caught me. That act of trust opened the door to an entirely new chapter of my life that has been more fulfilling than I ever imagined. It doesn’t mean it was easy or that I got every step right, but God honored the trust and kept guiding me one step at a time.
The Art of Being Still
Now let’s talk about stillness. In our fast-paced world, stillness is almost a lost art, but it is essential for hearing God clearly. Psalm 46:10 famously says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” There’s a knowing of God – and by extension, hearing Him – that only comes in stillness. Why is that? Because stillness quiets the other voices. When we still our bodies and minds before God, it’s like tuning out static so we can catch the signal.
Think about Elijah again: he experienced wind, an earthquake, and fire, but God’s voice came in a gentle whisper once those had passed (1 Kings 19:11-12). If Elijah had not been paying attention, he might have missed it. Similarly, if we never slow down or silence the noise around us, we will likely miss the gentle ways God is speaking.
Stillness is also an expression of trust. It’s us saying, “God, I’m going to stop striving and fretting for a moment, and trust that You are in control while I simply listen for You.” It can be hard! Our culture trains us to always be doing something, producing, consuming information, or entertaining ourselves. Sitting quietly can feel unproductive or even uncomfortable if you’re not used to it. But oh, the rewards it brings. In my own experience, when I carve out still moments – early in the morning before the world wakes up, or in the car with the radio off, or in the evening stepping outside to look at the stars – that’s when I often feel a sense of God’s presence or a clarity of thought that I know isn’t from me. Sometimes He brings to mind a Scripture that speaks exactly to what I’m dealing with. Sometimes He gently points out something in my heart that needs attention. Other times, I just feel His peace renewing me, with no specific “words” at all. But it all starts with choosing to be still.
Amanda mentioned that practicing a Sabbath rest has helped her hear God more. Sabbath is an intentional stillness – setting aside work and worries to focus on God and refresh. She noticed that when she is in a posture of rest (even if it’s just not worrying about tomorrow for a while), she becomes more aware of God’s voice in her life. It’s like her heart’s ears perk up when the usual clamor dies down. She even read in a magazine (by Joanna Gaines) that many creative insights and growth happen in times of rest, and she’s found that to be true spiritually. I concur – the times I “unplug” from busyness or technology to just be with God are often when I receive the most insight or direction. It’s counterintuitive, but the kingdom of God often is. We think hustling 24/7 will make us successful, but God says, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).
Stillness doesn’t mean you have to sit cross-legged for hours in absolute silence. It can be woven into daily life in small ways. It might look like taking a few deep breaths and acknowledging God’s presence before you send that next email. It might be pausing your podcast on your morning jog for a couple of minutes to just pray and listen instead. It might be instituting a device-free evening once a week where you trade TV for reading Scripture or journaling. These quieting practices tune our hearts to the whisper of God.
Practical Ways to Discern His Voice
Let’s get practical with a few tips that have helped me (and others) discern God’s voice amidst the noise:
- Know God’s Word deeply: The more you fill your mind with Scripture, the more you’ll recognize God’s language. His voice will never contradict His written Word. If you get an impression that doesn’t line up with the Bible’s teachings, you can confidently dismiss it. On the other hand, if a thought points you toward something the Bible does command (like showing love, forgiving, being honest), it’s likely God reinforcing His Word to you. Spending daily time reading the Bible is like training your ear to know what God sounds like. It’s foundational.
- Pay attention to the “fruit” of the voice: By this I mean, notice the effect a particular guidance has on your spirit. God’s voice, even if it’s challenging, will carry a sense of peace or hope with it. It may convict you of sin, but it won’t condemn you harshly (Romans 8:1 says there’s no condemnation for those in Christ). Thoughts that create panic, hopelessness, or accuse you without remedy are not from the Holy Spirit. Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd who calls His sheep by name and leads them – not drives them with fear (John 10). His guidance, even if it stretches us, comes with an assurance of “I am with you in this.” I have learned to ask, “Does this prompt lead me toward love, peace, patience, kindness… (the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22) or toward anxiety, rush, and confusion?” That helps discern the source.
- Seek wise counsel: Sometimes when you’re really stuck, bring a trusted Christian friend or mentor into the loop. Say, “Hey, I’ve been praying about XYZ and I think God might be telling me this – does that sound consistent with what you know of God?” A mature outside perspective can often either confirm or gently challenge what you’re hearing. There have been times I felt something was God, but a mentor pointed me to a scripture I hadn’t considered or a practical aspect I overlooked. Through that, I either gained confidence that it was indeed God or realized I might need to pray more. “In the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).
- Embrace patience: Discerning God’s voice is often a process. If you’re not sure, and it’s not an urgent matter, give it a little time. Keep praying about it. Sometimes clarity comes with waiting. I’ve had situations where I wasn’t sure what God was saying until a few days or weeks later, something clicked or circumstances unfolded that made it clear. Trust that God can clarify in the right timing. He’s not trying to tease you or hide His will; He just might be growing your faith in the waiting.
- Trust and obey (even if it’s a tiny step): At some point, after prayer and checking against Scripture, we have to move from hearing to doing. The best way to get better at discerning is to act on what you think God is saying, and then see what He does. Each act of obedience fine-tunes your spiritual ears. And remember, God’s not looking for perfection in this learning phase—He’s looking for a willing heart. So don’t be afraid to take that step.
The Reward of Knowing His Voice
Though it can be challenging, learning to discern God’s voice is one of the most rewarding pursuits of the Christian life. Jesus wants us to know His voice intimately. Think of a close friend or spouse – over time, you can catch the slightest hint of their tone or even identify their cough in a crowded room because you know them that well. I believe we can grow to know God’s voice with that level of closeness. It’s a journey, yes, and we won’t have it perfectly this side of heaven. But each day of walking with Him, listening, trusting, and obeying, brings us closer.
And here’s something amazing: God is exceedingly patient and creative in communicating with us. If you truly desire to hear Him, He will utilize all sorts of means to get through – Scripture, music, nature, other people, inner whispers. Our job is to keep our hearts soft, our trust firm, and our ears open.
Maybe right now you’re in a season where God feels silent or you’re struggling to discern His direction on a matter. I’ve been there too, and it’s hard. I encourage you to lean into trust. Sometimes God uses those quieter seasons to deepen our faith – to see if we’ll trust His character even when our feelings or senses aren’t giving us much. It’s like how a parent sometimes lets go of the bicycle but is still right there – the child might feel wobbly, but the parent is ready to catch them. God might be stretching you to trust that He’s guiding you even when you’re not 100% sure of the path. Keep doing the last thing He clearly told you, and stay faithful. In due time, He will make things clear again.
Challenge: Still Your Soul and Listen
Here’s a challenge for you to practice trust and stillness this week. Carve out a short “stillness break” each day – even 5 minutes. During that time, put away your phone and distractions, and sit quietly with God. You can start by praying, “Lord, I believe You are here. I trust You. Speak to me, I’m listening.” Then simply wait in silence. Don’t force anything, just be with God. If your mind wanders (it likely will), gently bring it back by maybe repeating a simple phrase like “Thank You, Jesus,” or by focusing on a single scripture. After the time is up, jot down if you sensed anything – maybe a thought came to mind, or a picture, or maybe just a feeling of peace. Over the days, notice if it gets easier to sense His presence or direction.
Also, think of one area of your life where you’re seeking God’s guidance. In your prayer time, tell God you trust Him with that situation. Actually say, “Lord, I trust that You will lead me. I’m going to stop straining to ‘figure it out’ on my own. I’m listening for Your voice, and I trust You’ll catch me if I move in the wrong direction.” This act of surrender can open your heart to hear Him more clearly. Sometimes we’re so anxious about getting it right that it creates mental static; releasing that worry can bring a new clarity.
Remember, hearing God is not about a formula, but about relationship. You have a God who loves you more than you can imagine and who wants to communicate with you. As you trust Him like a child and make space to listen, you will grow in recognizing His voice. It might be a whisper, it might not always be what you expected, but it will lead you into deeper faith and peace. Keep at it, dear friend. With a trusting heart and a quiet soul, you’ll find that the divine Shepherd’s voice becomes sweeter and clearer with each passing day.