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Someone asked, 'How do we know our choices are our own, or is it God speaking?' [Spirituality & Religion]

God's voice is clearly distinct from other thoughts we might have. First of all, God's voice is very different from Satan's, in many ways. One of the most helpful criteria to use would be that of their nature: God is loving, true, and freeing. Satan's voice, on the other hand, is a liar, murderer, deceiving, destroying, negative, and condemning. When you get to hear a certain voice, check if the nature of the message, no matter how soft-spoken the voice may be, is reflective of God's nature or not. Best of all, check that voice in light of the Word of God. If the Word of God contradicts it, then don't believe it.

God's Voice vs. Yours

Distinguishing God's voice from our own, however, is a totally different thing. While Satan's voice is in clear opposition to God, ours is different. The Bible says the "heart is deceitful above all things" (see Jeremiah 17:9), and because of this, we find it harder to distinguish our voice from the Lord's.

Some might say "you'll know if it's God speaking to you." But really, how do you know? Both God and Satan's voice seem to sound like our own inside our heads, and unless we know how to distinguish them, we're sure to be misled at times. So how DO we distinguish God's voice from your own?

1. Don't believe everything you hear.

Jeremiah 17:9, says our hearts are deceitful above all things, and thus we should not trust it. We shouldn't be critical of everything, but we shouldn't be naïve either.

1 John 4:1 further instructs us, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

2. Check the message and the motive behind it.

Whatever you hear, take some time to check the message and its motive. Supposing you hear a spiritual-sounding message. Ask yourself: 'Does it go contrary to, or in support of what the Word of God says?'

Keep in mind that our minds have the capacity to mess up what we have read in the Bible, and mix it with our own desires. Another factor you have to consider, is that Satan is out there trying to confuse all, with his half-truths. Remember, he used Scripture in his attempt to tempt and derail Jesus while our Lord was fasting (see Luke 4:1-13; Matthew 4:1-11).

3.  God's voice will never confuse you, misguide you, nor lead you astray.

God's voice will bring you much comfort, ease of mind, and peace to your Spirit.  The Word of God comes from the very heart and mouth of God, spoken to His people in different times and places, inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Greek word being "theopneustos", meaning "God-breathed", inspired by God, due to the inspiration of God. Words not entrusted to just [i]any[/i] men, but to [u]holy men of old[/u], to write down under the direction and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. When we stick to the Word of God, we'll never be misled by any voice.

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction (of people), for instruction in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)

The most basic and well-known verse of the Bible is:

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

What kind of a God would volunteer to lay down His life for those who hate Him?

A very humble and loving one. His name is Jesus.

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Today might be a good day to think about getting right with God, if you haven't already.
MikeSp · 56-60, M Best Comment
All good advice as usual, LadyGrace. A couple things that help me hear His voice and make the right decision:
Get quiet in your spirit when you meditate on His Word and pray. Be alone and get rid of distractions.
Seek wise counsel among your brothers and sisters who have experienced what you are contemplating.
@MikeSp Yes, indeed. Great, great advice. It's so important not to have distractions, and thank God for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for this important addition. 👍️
MikeSp · 56-60, M
@LadyGrace My additions pale in comparison to your advice, but thank you. 😉
@MikeSp 🙏

TheOrionbeltseeker · 36-40, M
Thank you. I liked it.

 
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