Chapter 2: Discerning the Voice of God

“Learning to hear God’s voice is a journey of prayer, patience, and spiritual sensitivity. True obedience begins when we can distinguish His voice from all others.”

So happy to be with you again and so thankful to be alive and well in the land of the living. What a blessing it is to be used by God for His glory and His purpose. We’re excited to continue our series, The Benefits of Obedience, with Part Two. Let’s get started!

Opening Prayer:
Father, forgive me of all sin. I come before You with gratitude that my voice can be used for Your glory and honor. Let Your words be spoken through me. May the people of God be edified. I declare this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let the Spirit Be Your Guide

During meditation for this lesson, a familiar phrase entered my spirit: “Let the Spirit be your guide.” Many of us have heard this before—but the question we must ask is, which spirit is guiding us? It is essential to know who is leading you—because not every voice is God’s voice.

Some have committed terrible acts claiming God instructed them. But we must be able to discern: Was it truly God? Or the god of this world? (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Let’s walk through how to recognize God’s voice in a world filled with noise.

How to Discern God’s Voice

Here are several key ways to sharpen your spiritual hearing:

1. Prayer

Begin by sincerely speaking to God. Ask Him directly:
“Lord, I need Your guidance. Please give me an answer.”

Then be still and patient. God’s voice brings peace, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). His voice does not condemn or shame. Instead, it edifies, sanctifies, and leads with love.

As Philippians 4:6–7 (KJV) reminds us:

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Let peace confirm that you’ve heard from Him.

2. Studying the Word

The more time you spend in God’s Word, the easier it becomes to recognize His voice. Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV) declares:

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Speak to God from the heart—no need for lofty language. He desires sincerity, not performance (1 Samuel 16:7).

The Bible is the primary way God speaks. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that His Word is “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.”

3. Meditation & Quiet Time

In stillness, God speaks. 1 Kings 19:12 tells us Elijah heard God in a still small voice. Set aside time to quiet your mind and just listen. This may come as an impression, a nudge in your spirit, or clarity that brings peace.

4. Visions, Dreams, and Impressions

Throughout Scripture, God often spoke through visions and dreams. (See Genesis 37:5, Acts 2:17.) He may still do this today. But always test the source—compare it to the Word of God.

5. Godly Counsel

Sometimes God speaks through the wisdom of spiritual mentors or counselors. Proverbs 11:14 (KJV) says:

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”

God can use trusted believers to confirm what He’s already speaking to your heart.

6. Circumstances and Divine Timing

Life itself can be a classroom. At times, God allows situations to get your attention. While not every circumstance is a divine message, many are opportunities to reflect, repent, and realign.

Romans 8:28 reminds us:

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Be An Active Listener

Obedience begins with relationship. To recognize God’s voice, you must first belong to Him. John 10:27 (KJV) says:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

Draw close to God and He promises to draw close to you (James 4:8). The more time you spend with Him, the more familiar His voice becomes.

The Power of Discernment

Discernment means to test, prove, and examine (1 Thessalonians 5:21). When it comes to your spiritual walk, nothing is more vital than discerning what is truly of God.

As Billy Graham once said:

“The authors of Scripture made it clear that God was speaking to them and through them. More than 3,000 times they said, ‘Thus saith the Lord.’”

He still speaks today—through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and sincere hearts ready to listen.

Final Encouragement

God desires to guide you. He longs to be your source of wisdom and peace. Whether through Scripture, prayer, counsel, or a still small voice—He will speak. But we must be still, sincere, and willing to wait.

Psalm 46:10 says:

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

Even in a fast-paced world, there is blessing in waiting. Let obedience start with hearing and obeying His voice above all others.

✨ Takeaways

God’s voice brings peace, not confusion.
You must belong to God to recognize His voice.
Prayer and Bible study strengthen your spiritual hearing.
Discernment means testing what you hear against Scripture.
God speaks through visions, dreams, and wise counsel.
Be patient—sometimes God speaks through silence or waiting.

Closing Thought:
God is always speaking—through His Word, His Spirit, and His creation. Draw near, be patient, and let obedience begin with a listening heart.

From The Daily Word with Pastor KBN: The Benefits Of Obedience (Part 2), Mar 18, 2025
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-word-with-pastor-kbn/id1800872165?i=1000699598133&r=553
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The Benefits of Obedience (Part 2)