10 Days of Confidence That Will Change EverythingSýnishorn

God? Is That You?

Now that I’ve been married for a while, I can easily detect my husband’s presence. If he walks down a hallway, I know it’s him by the way he rhythmically thuds his heels against the floor. If I’m in a crowd, my spidey senses can quickly identify him by the echo of his deep, boisterous voice. If I wake up frightened after a comatose-like sleep, the cadence of his breathing lets me know that I, indeed, have not been kidnapped. Since I know him so well, my husband’s presence feels like home to me.

In the Bible, Samuel didn’t recognize God’s voice. However, because of Eli’s wise counsel, Samuel learned to discern when God was speaking and got to know Him well.

How can we confidently hear God’s voice for ourselves? How can we know if it’s Him speaking or if it’s our own thoughts, emotions, and opinions? We can do this by:

1. Studying Scripture. The Bible is, literally, God talking to us. His Word tells us how to act, think, and live. Scripture also renews our minds—and when our minds are renewed, hearing His voice becomes easier.
2. A submissive heart. To discern the voice of the Holy Spirit, we must be open to God’s guidance. Otherwise, our pride will lead us to mistakes! Many times, God speaks to us through our conscience, both while we’re awake and asleep.
3. Godly influences. Find an Eli in your life—a pastor, Christian counselor, or faithful mentor. These people will minister to you wisely, lead you constructively, and always point you to Jesus.

God wants to speak to you. He wants you to clearly recognize His voice. Why? Because you are His daughter! The more time you spend with Him, the more His presence feels like home.

Lord, I want to hear Your voice clearly. Give me an Eli in my life. Lead me through Your written Word. I want my decisions to align with Your perfect will. Amen.