Discernment: What’s From God, What’s From You, & What’s Not

If we’re honest, the hardest part of faith isn’t believing in God, it’s hearing Him clearly. And not just hearing Him… but telling the difference between:

• God’s voice
• your own thoughts
• and the enemy’s lies

If you’ve ever prayed, “Lord, is this You… or is this me?” congratulations, you’re normal. Let’s break discernment down in a way that’s simple, biblical, and actually helpful.

1. God’s Voice Always Aligns With His Word

This is rule number one.

God will never say something that contradicts what He already said.

So if the thought, desire, plan, or idea:

✘ compromises your integrity
✘ contradicts Scripture
✘ requires disobedience
✘ pushes you toward sin
✘ encourages selfishness
✘ feeds pride
✘ or leads to confusion

…it is NOT from Him.

God doesn’t change His mind. If it goes against His Word, it’s not His voice. Scripture is your filter. Run everything through it.

2. God’s Voice Leads With Peace! Not Pressure

God does not bully His children. God does not rush His daughters. God does not manipulate your emotions. Pressure, panic, urgency (that isn’t life-or-death), guilt, shame, and fear?

That’s not God… that’s anxiety, impulse, or spiritual attack.

God’s voice brings:

✓ clarity
✓ calm
✓ wisdom
✓ stillness
✓ steady confidence
✓ conviction (not condemnation)

Even when God asks you to do something hard, He gives peace in the decision.

3. Your Flesh Speaks & It Usually Sounds Convenient

Here’s how you know something is “you” and not God: It’s easy. It’s comfortable. It flatters your ego. It avoids growth. It excuses sin. It gives you what you want right now. Your flesh always looks for shortcuts. God always looks for sanctification.

The voice of your flesh tells you:
“Whatever you desire must be right.”
But Scripture tells you:
“The heart is deceitful” (Jeremiah 17:9).

Your desires aren’t automatically wrong, but they’re not automatically God.

4. The Enemy’s Voice Brings Confusion, Chaos, & Condemnation

The enemy doesn’t show up wearing horns and name tags. He whispers.

And his voice sounds like:

✘ “You’re not enough.”
✘ “You’ll always fail.”
✘ “God is disappointed in you.”
✘ “You should be ashamed.”
✘ “There’s no hope for you.”
✘ “Take the easy way out.”
✘ “It won’t hurt — nobody will know.”

God convicts to correct you. Satan condemns to crush you.

If the voice tears you down, destroys your peace, or pulls you away from God; it’s not from Him.

5. God Confirms What He Speaks: He Doesn’t Hide It

If God is speaking, you will usually see some kind of confirmation:

✓ Scripture lines up
✓ sermons line up
✓ godly counsel aligns
✓ new opportunities open
✓ or your spirit feels a deep “yes”

God is not vague. He doesn’t mumble. He wants you to understand His will more than you want to know it. If you have to force it, manufacture it, manipulate it, or chase constant reassurance, it’s probably not Him.

6. God’s Voice Requires Faith, But Never Fear

God will call you into deeper obedience, but He will never call you into fear. Fear of people? Not Him. Fear of punishment? Not Him. Fear of failing? Not Him. Fear of rejection? Not Him.

God grows you through courage, not terror.

7. The More Time You Spend With God, the Easier It Becomes

This part isn’t glamorous, but it’s true.

The more time you:

✓ read Scripture
✓ pray
✓ worship
✓ sit in silence
✓ seek His presence

… the more you recognize His voice.

Just like you instantly know your best friend’s voice on the phone, you’ll learn to recognize God’s voice the same way. Discernment is developed, not delivered.

A Prayer for Discernment

Lord,
Teach me to recognize Your voice above every other voice. Silence my fears, calm my thoughts, and guard my heart from confusion. Align my desires with Your Word. Give me clarity, wisdom, and peace as I follow You. And when You speak help me obey with courage.
Amen.

Scriptures for Discernment

John 10:27 — My sheep hear My voice.
1 Corinthians 14:33 — God is not the author of confusion.
Proverbs 3:5–6 — He will direct your paths.
James 1:5 — If you need wisdom, ask.
1 John 4:1 — Test the spirits.
Romans 8:6 — The Spirit brings life and peace.

One Last Thing

If you’re wrestling with a decision or trying to understand what God is saying, don’t panic. Discernment isn’t about perfection, it’s about proximity. The closer you are to God, the clearer everything becomes.

Keep seeking Him. He’s not hiding.