How can I recognize the voice of God?

TL;DR:

Believers can recognize the voice of God by knowing Scripture and relying on His Spirit. The more we spend time in the Bible and in prayer, the clearer it becomes to discern His voice and leading in our lives.

what does the bible say?

What does the voice of God sound like? Is it audible? How can we be sure that we are hearing from God and not an evil spirit? Could it be that the voice we sometimes hear is simply our own minds or our imaginations? Does God speak to us? These questions have been asked by believers throughout time. Recognizing the voice of God is a process that involves knowing Him through the Scriptures. While God may speak in various ways, the Bible serves as the ultimate authority for recognizing His voice and direction. Believers can be confident that God will not lead them contrary to His Word. We can rely on our relationship with God through faith in Jesus and the study of the Bible to discern His leading. The more time we spend in God's Word and in prayer, the clearer it will be to recognize God’s voice and guidance.

from the old testament

When Samuel heard God's voice, he didn't recognize it, but Eli did (1 Samuel 3:1-10).
When Gideon received a revelation from God, he was so unsure that it was from God that he asked for a sign three times (Judges 6:17-22, 36-40).

from the new testament

If Samuel and Gideon had trouble recognizing God's voice, how can we know when we are hearing from Him? One important factor is that we have something the Old Testament saints didn't – the complete Scriptures, which are the inspired words of God, to read and study and meditate upon. Although the Bible does not tell us everything, it gives us what we need to recognize God’s voice and to equip us “for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
If we have questions about a spiritual topic or decision we are facing, we can go to the Bible, confident that the words there are just as authoritative and good as God's own voice. He has promised not to lead us contrary to the teachings and promises in the Bible (Titus 1:1-3).
Only a believer – a person saved by His grace through faith in the Lord Jesus – can recognize God's voice. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27). Believers will recognize God’s voice because they know Him, having learned about Him from the Scriptures.

implications for today

The more time believers spend in the Word, listening to God, and speaking in return to Him in prayer, the easier it will be to recognize His voice and His leading in our lives. We should know Him so well through the Scriptures that it will be obvious to us when He prompts or leads our conscience by the Holy Spirit, or if He speaks in an audible way. The lack of an audible voice from God in the life of a believer is not in any way a sign that God does not love that believer or that He is displeased with him. We should seek to know the Lord through the Word, not through extra-biblical revelation. As Peter tells us, even though he and the other apostles saw Jesus in His glory and heard the voice of God coming down from Heaven, "we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed" (2 Peter 1:18-19).

understand

Believers can recognize God’s voice by studying Scripture and relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance.
The Bible is the ultimate authority for discerning God’s voice.
Spending time in prayer and the Word enables believers to better recognize God’s leading.

reflect

How is prayer and Bible study helping you recognize God’s voice more clearly in your life?
How has Scripture confirmed God’s leading in your life?
How do you discern whether what you hear is truly God’s voice, your own thoughts, or the devil?

engage

How can we help others understand the importance of Scripture in recognizing God’s voice?
How does the Holy Spirit guide us when we feel unsure about God's direction in our lives?
What are the differences between our conscience and God’s voice, and how does understanding the differences impact the way we make decisions?