Is This God's voice?

Is This God’s Voice? Learning Discernment While Waiting

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Is this God, or is this just me?” you’re not alone. This question often comes up during waiting seasons, especially when the desire is deep and the longing feels personal. Waiting can heighten our emotions, our hopes, and sometimes our confusion.

God never intended discernment to feel stressful or overwhelming. He doesn’t speak to confuse us or leave us anxious. More often than not, His voice is gentle, steady, and rooted in peace.

Jesus tells us that His sheep know His voice. This means hearing God isn’t reserved for a few people, it’s something we learn over time as we walk with Him.

How God speaks

God speaks in many ways. He speaks through His Word, which will always align with His voice. He speaks through the Holy Spirit, often through conviction, restraint, or peace. Sometimes He speaks through circumstances, closed doors, or even a lack of peace.

Silence can also be a form of communication. God may be inviting you to slow down, to trust, or to wait rather than move ahead of Him.

What God’s voice feels like

One of the clearest markers of God’s voice is peace. This doesn’t mean the situation will be easy or emotionally comfortable, but there will be a sense of being settled in your spirit. God does not rush us. He does not pressure us into decisions. His guidance brings clarity, not confusion.

Even when emotions are present, God’s peace remains steady underneath them.

What God’s voice is not

God’s voice does not condemn, shame, or accuse. It does not create constant mental noise or anxiety. It does not pull you away from prayer, Scripture, or time with Him.

If something slowly distances you from God, that is worth paying attention to.

A personal lesson from my waiting season

During my own waiting season for marriage, I met someone who, on the surface, seemed like an answer to prayer. I had been perceiving the word suddenly often and held a conviction that this area of my life would unfold suddenly.

When this man entered my life and spoke confidently about marriage and our future very early on, I assumed this must be God’s will. Emotionally, everything felt exciting. The attention, the conversations, and what he was offering all seemed right.

Yet, my spirit was never settled.

After a short time, I realised I could no longer focus when I tried to pray or read my Bible. My thoughts were scattered, my mind felt noisy, and I felt distant from God. That was the first sign.

I prayed a simple prayer, asking God to close any door He had not opened. The next day, I felt detached and peaceful, and my desire to pray returned.

This cycle repeated itself. Each time I moved closer, peace left. Each time I surrendered it to God, peace returned. Eventually, God showed me clearly that although this man wasn’t bad, he simply wasn’t for me.

This is when I learned that emotional excitement is not the same as spiritual peace.

Learning discernment in the wait

God often teaches us discernment through patterns, not panic. He speaks through repetition, through the consistent absence or presence of peace, and through our obedience when it’s uncomfortable.

Waiting seasons refine our ability to hear God. They teach us to choose peace over pressure and obedience over desire.

Questions to ask when you’re unsure

When you’re discerning God’s voice, ask yourself:

• Does this draw me closer to God or pull me away from Him?

• Do I feel peace beneath the emotions?

• Am I being rushed or gently led?

• Does this align with Scripture and God’s character?

God’s guidance will always lead you back to Him.

A gentle reminder

If you’re waiting, unsure, or feeling confused, remember this: God is not hiding from you. He wants to guide you more than you want answers. Learning to hear His voice takes time, and He is patient with you.

Pay attention to peace. God often speaks there.

Flourishing Faith.