120 - Haley - “How do I know if God is speaking, or if it’s just my own imagination?”
“How do I know if God is speaking, or if it’s just my own imagination?”
Whispers of God: Recognizing Divine Guidance in Everyday Life
Have you ever felt a nudge, a whisper, a sense of direction you couldn't quite explain? Perhaps a billboard caught your eye with a timely verse, or a song on the radio echoed the very prayer in your heart. These seemingly random occurrences may be more than coincidence; they may be whispers of God's providence, guiding us along our path.
Psalm 32:8 reminds us, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." God's guidance isn't always a booming voice from the heavens. Often, it's a gentle whisper leading us, using the ordinary to point us toward the extraordinary. He speaks through the beauty of creation, the wisdom of Scripture, and even the unexpected events of our day.
But how do we discern God's voice from the noise of the world, the whispers of our imagination, or even the deception of the enemy? I believe the answer is in learning to recognize what I call the “inner witness” of the Holy Spirit. To me, it is a deep indescribable sense of confidently knowing that this is indeed God speaking to me. Perhaps Isaiah gave a picture when he wrote “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)
If it is true guidance from God, it will always lead to spiritual growth, evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23 : "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
If the guidance you're receiving leads to long term anxiety, fear, or a turning away from God's Word, be wary. The enemy is a master of disguise, often mimicking God's voice to lead us astray. Test everything against the truth of Scripture, and perhaps seek wise counsel from trusted spiritual mentors, if you are new in your faith.
As we walk with God, let us be open to His unexpected guideposts, the whispers of His love and direction found in the everyday moments of our lives. And as we grow in discernment, may we bear the fruit of righteousness, a testament to the transformative power of His guidance.
