Discerning God’s will and knowing when He is speaking to us is an important part of the Christian walk. Here are some biblical principles to keep in mind when seeking to understand if God is leading you to take a certain action:
1. Test it against Scripture
God will never guide us to do something that violates or contradicts His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). If we believe God is telling us to lie, steal, commit adultery, or take any action explicitly forbidden in Scripture, we can be sure that is not God speaking. His voice will always align with biblical truth.
2. Listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance
Jesus promised His followers that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth (John 16:13). As we grow in our relationship with God, we learn to recognize the Holy Spirit’s voice and prompting in our spirit. An inner sense of peace about a decision can be the Spirit’s confirmation (Colossians 3:15).
3. Seek godly counsel
Other believers can often provide wisdom and discernment as we try to understand God’s will in a specific situation (Proverbs 11:14). Their objectivity and spiritual maturity can help us see things we may be missing. But ultimately you need to decide if their advice aligns with God’s Word and the Spirit’s prompting in your own heart.
4. Look at the circumstances
Sometimes God directs through our circumstances—opening and closing doors of opportunity. However, be cautious about putting too much weight on circumstantial signs alone. Consider them in conjunction with the other principles listed here (Romans 8:28).
5. Evaluate your motivations
Examine your heart before God. Are you seeking to sincerely follow Him and surrender your own will? Or are you trying to manipulate circumstances to fit your own desires? (Jeremiah 17:9; Psalm 139:23-24).
6. Move forward in faith
If after evaluating all of the above you have a sense that God is leading you to move in a certain direction, take steps forward in faith and obedience. As you follow His guidance, He will continue to give you clarity and confirm your calling (Proverbs 3:5-6).
7. Remember God’s sovereignty
Sometimes God’s plan is not immediately clear. During periods of uncertainty, remember that God is still in control. Trust that He will reveal the next steps when the time is right (Ecclesiastes 3:11; Psalm 32:8).
8. Wait patiently on God
Don’t feel pressured to rush into decisions. God’s timing is perfect, and He may have you wait in order to deepen your dependence on Him or prepare you for what’s ahead (Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 40:31).
9. God may close a door
Sometimes God makes His will known by closing doors you hoped would be open. When a passionate dream does not come to pass despite your prayers, see it as God redirecting you. Trust that He has something better in mind (Proverbs 19:21).
10. God speaks through our desires
The godly desires that God places in our hearts can be an indication of His will and purpose for our lives. As you delight yourself in the Lord, He will shape your heart to deeply want what He has planned (Psalm 37:4).
11. Remember God’s character
God’s guidance will always be consistent with His character as revealed in Scripture—loving, merciful, righteous, etc. Evaluate any sense of leading in light of who God is (1 John 4:8; Psalm 145:17).
12. Seek confirmation
An isolated feeling or circumstance should not be your only guidance. Look for confirmation through some combination of the principles discussed here. God will confirm His will as we commit our way to Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).
13. Trust God’s heart for you
Ultimately, you can trust that God loves you perfectly and wants only the best for you. He promises to lead and guide those who seek Him with a sincere heart (Romans 8:28; Psalm 23:3).
Discerning God’s voice takes time and experience. Don’t become discouraged if His will does not immediately become clear. As you walk closely with Him through prayer, Scripture, and the Spirit’s guidance, you will grow in recognizing His voice and direction for your life.
Remember that God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). He is faithful and promises to make His will clear for those who wait patiently on Him (Proverbs 3:5-6). Continue to surrender your will to Christ each day, trusting that He will faithfully lead you in His perfect way and time.
Here are some additional verses to meditate on regarding discerning God’s will:
Romans 12:2 – Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Ephesians 5:17 – Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Colossians 1:9 – And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Psalm 25:4-5 – Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
1 John 2:17 – And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 – For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.
James 4:13-15 – Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”
Proverbs 16:9 – The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Isaiah 30:21 – And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Isaiah 26:3 – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
John 14:26 – But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Knowing and following God’s will is a journey that requires patience, wisdom, and guidance from the Holy Spirit. As you seek Him daily through prayer and immersion in Scripture, He will make His voice clear and light your path by His Word and Spirit. Trust in His faithful promises and loving heart for you as you learn to discern His voice.
