How to Hear God’s Voice Without Drifting From Scripture

Have you ever been faced with a decision and thought, “I just wish I knew what God wanted me to do”? Maybe it’s a big life choice—like a job offer, relationship, or move—or maybe it’s simply navigating everyday parenting decisions or friendships.

Here’s the good news: as a follower of Jesus, you can hear God’s voice.

Unfortunately, many of us have been told (or quietly believed) the opposite. We think God is distant, silent, or only speaks to “super-spiritual” people. Others swing the other direction, making bold claims like, “God told me to…” without checking if it aligns with Scripture.

Both extremes lead to confusion. But the Bible paints a much clearer picture. In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” If you are His, He promises to guide you. The key is learning to listen well—and to test what you hear against His unchanging truth.

In this post, we’ll explore three practical ways to grow in discernment so you can confidently follow the Spirit’s leading without drifting away from God’s Word.

1. Understand the Difference: Revelation vs. Relationship

When people say, “God told me,” it can make others nervous. Maybe you’ve seen that phrase used to manipulate others or justify sin. That’s not what the Bible teaches.

Here’s the foundational truth:
The revelation of God is complete. Nothing can be added to Scripture or contradict the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 1:1–2 reminds us that God has spoken fully through His Son. The Bible is the finished, perfect revelation of who God is and how we are saved.

So when we talk about “hearing God’s voice,” we’re not talking about adding new chapters to the Bible or receiving secret messages for salvation. Instead, we’re talking about relationship.

Think about it like this: If a loving father never spoke to his children, we’d find that strange. The same is true with our Heavenly Father. Through the Holy Spirit, God guides, comforts, convicts, and directs His children—not with new revelation, but with personal application of His unchanging Word.

Bottom line:
God will never say something to you that contradicts what He has already said in Scripture.

2. Saturate Yourself in Scripture

The first step to recognizing God’s voice is knowing what He sounds like.

Jesus said, “The sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (John 10:3). Sheep learn their shepherd’s voice through constant exposure. The same is true for us.

If you want to grow in discernment, fill your mind with God’s Word daily.

When Scripture is alive in your heart, you’ll have a built-in safeguard. The Spirit who breathed the Word will use it to confirm—or correct—your decisions.

As Billy Graham famously said:
“If you are ignorant of God’s Word, you will always be ignorant of God’s will.”

Practical tips to start today:
– Begin each morning with a short Bible reading before checking your phone or the news.
– Pray Psalm 143:10: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”
– Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight a verse or truth to guide you throughout the day.

The more you respond when God speaks through His Word, the more sensitive you’ll become to His leading.

3. Test and Confirm Through Community

Even when we’re seeking God sincerely, our emotions or desires can cloud our hearing. That’s why God gives us the gift of Christian community.

Proverbs 24:6 says, “For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.”

When you sense the Lord leading you, bring that to trusted believers. Mature friends, mentors, or church leaders can:
– Confirm that what you’re hearing aligns with Scripture.
– Pray with you for clarity and wisdom.
– Help protect you from making impulsive or harmful decisions.

Sometimes God will even give others the same burden or direction you’ve been sensing—His way of lovingly confirming His will for you.

A Simple Grid for Discernment

When you’re facing a decision or sensing a nudge from the Lord, use these four questions to check if it’s from Him:

1. Surrender: Am I fully yielded to God, willing to obey no matter what? (Romans 12:1–2)
2. Scripture: Does this align with the clear teaching of God’s Word?
3. Spirit: Do I have peace and clarity as I pray and listen? (Colossians 3:15)
4. Saints: Have wise believers confirmed this through counsel and prayer?

When all four line up, you can move forward with confidence.

Final Encouragement

Hearing God’s voice isn’t about mystical formulas or spiritual elite status. It’s about relationship.

Jesus died and rose again not just to save you, but to bring you into daily fellowship with Himself. Through His Spirit, He leads you step by step, decision by decision.

So start where you are today: open your Bible, quiet your heart, and simply pray, “Lord, I’m listening.”

And remember—He delights to speak to His children. His sheep hear His voice, and that includes you.

 

Marian Jordan Ellis is the Founder of This Redeemed Life and author of numerous books and Bible studies.

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