God’s Not Silent: Learning to Recognize His Voice in Everyday Life
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." John 10:27 (NKJV)
She was sitting in her car in the church parking lot long after the service had ended. The worship music had been beautiful, the sermon was heartfelt, and yet she felt… nothing. Just silence. She prayed the same prayer she'd been praying for months—God, are You there? Why can't I hear you?
If you've ever felt like that woman, you're not alone.
Many of us long to hear God clearly, but we're left wondering if we're doing something wrong. Is he speaking, and we're just not tuned in? Is it possible we've mistaken our thoughts or emotions for His voice? Or worse—has He stopped speaking to us altogether?
The truth is: God is never silent. He speaks through His Word, through the quiet whispers of the Holy Spirit, through circumstances, and sometimes even through others. The challenge isn't whether God is speaking—it's whether we're still enough to hear Him.
One of the greatest misconceptions in our walk with God is that hearing His voice must be some grand, supernatural event. While that does happen, more often, God's voice is like a gentle whisper in our spirit, a persistent nudge in our heart, or a verse that jumps out during a quiet morning in the Word.
Let's look at three practical ways we can begin to recognize His voice more clearly in everyday life.
1. Distinguish Between God's Voice and Your Own Thoughts
God's voice always aligns with His character and His Word. That's why immersing yourself in Scripture is foundational. The more familiar you become with His written voice, the easier it is to recognize when He is speaking to your heart.
In 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV), Paul reminds us, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." Paul wrote this letter to encourage Timothy in a time when false teachings were common. Scripture wasn't just a moral guide—it was (and still is) God's living voice for direction, comfort, and truth.
So, how do you know if it's God or just your thoughts? God often speaks with peace, even when calling you to something complex. His voice convicts but never condemns. It may challenge you to grow or take a step of faith, but it won't lead you to confusion or fear.
2. Make Space for God to Speak
Think about the last time you sat in complete silence—no phone, no background noise, no distractions. It's rare, isn't it? We live in a world filled with constant noise, but God often speaks in stillness.
In 1 Kings 19:12 (NASB), Elijah experiences this firsthand: "And after the earthquake, a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire, a sound of a gentle blowing." Elijah expected God in a dramatic way, but God came gently.
Creating a quiet space to hear from God doesn't have to be complicated. It might be ten minutes of silence before your day begins or a peaceful walk with no earbuds. It's about intentional presence. Speak to Him, but also give Him time to speak back.
Journaling can help here, too. When you write down your prayers, thoughts, and scriptures that stand out, it becomes easier to see patterns and notice how He's been speaking all along.
3. Respond in Obedience When You Hear Him
Sometimes we hesitate because we're unsure of what to do. But when you sense God is leading you—especially when it aligns with Scripture and brings peace—it's important to obey.
Even the small steps matter. Maybe it's reaching out to someone who's been on your heart, forgiving someone who hurt you, or stepping out into something that requires courage. When you respond, your faith grows, and your ability to recognize His voice strengthens.
In John 14:23 (AMP), Jesus said, "If anyone [really] loves Me, he will keep My word (teaching); and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling place with him." This wasn't just about rules—it was about a relationship. Obedience isn't a burden; it's the response of someone who trusts the One they love.
The more we walk in obedience, the more we learn to recognize His tone, His timing, and His truth.
God is not silent. He never has been. He's speaking now—through His Word, in the quiet moments, and in your heart. It may not always be loud, but it's always loving. And the more you lean in, the clearer it becomes.
Ready to Put This Into Practice?
If you're ready to start hearing from God more clearly, begin by creating ten minutes of quiet today. Open your Bible, ask Him to speak, and simply listen. Keep a journal nearby and write down what comes to mind.
Want more encouragement like this? Subscribe to the EXCEL2FAITH Newsletter at www.excel2faith.com for weekly inspiration and tools for your spiritual journey.
📝 Quick Reflection Challenge: Can You Fill in the Blanks?
Complete this verse from John 10:27 (NKJV):
“My ______ hear My ______, and I ______ them, and they ______ Me.”
Now reflect:
What does this verse tell you about your identity and relationship with God?
In what way is God inviting you to follow today?
Answer:
“My, sheep, voice, know, follow
Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God is Speaking
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this God speaking, or just my own thoughts?”—you’re not alone. Priscilla Shirer’s influential book, Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God is Speaking, cuts through the noise with grace, clarity, and biblical truth. With her signature warmth and wisdom, Shirer guides readers into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God by helping them learn how to recognize His voice in everyday life.
Rooted in Scripture and personal experience, this book is more than inspiration—it’s a practical roadmap. Shirer teaches how God speaks through His Word, circumstances, the Holy Spirit, and even the stillness we so often neglect. If you resonated with the themes in our article “God’s Not Silent: Learning to Recognize His Voice in Everyday Life”, this book is a must-read. It reinforces the same truth: God is always speaking, but we must learn to listen and respond with obedience.
Whether you’re new in faith or seeking to reignite your spiritual walk, this book will awaken your ears and heart to God’s gentle whispers.
Ready to listen for His voice?
Get your copy of Discerning the Voice of God today, and don’t forget to subscribe to the EXCEL2FAITH Newsletter at www.excel2faith.com for weekly encouragement and resources to grow your faith.
If you want to make a change in your life and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, or if you have drifted away and want to recommit your life to Him, read this prayer out loud and make it your own:
Dear Jesus, I confess that I have sinned and tried to live life on my own terms, but today I turn away from that path and open my heart fully to You. I believe You died for my sins and rose again so I could be forgiven and walk in new life—so today, I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Cleanse me, renew me, and help me hear Your voice clearly as I follow You with all my heart. I surrender my past, my present, and my future to You, and I commit to walk in a deeper, daily relationship with You from this moment forward.
If you sincerely prayed this prayer, I celebrate with you and want to walk alongside you in your new or renewed journey with Christ. Please email me at excel2faith@gmail.com so I can send you helpful resources, encouragement, and materials to strengthen your faith and help you grow closer to God. You’re not alone—welcome home.
Heavenly Father, I long to know Your voice more clearly and walk in deeper intimacy with You each day. Help me quiet the noise around me so I can hear the gentle whispers of Your Spirit and follow wherever You lead. Teach me to trust that You are near, even when I don’t feel it, and to respond with faith when You speak. Stir in me a hunger for Your presence that transforms my heart and draws me closer to You always.