How to Hear God’s Voice in a Noisy World
“My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” — John 10:27 (NASB)
Introduction
Have you ever wished God would just speak audibly—like thunder from the sky or a text from heaven? In a world flooded with opinions, distractions, and pressure to perform, many Christians feel lost, wondering: “How do I know what God wants me to do?”
The truth is, God is speaking—but not through emotional impulses or random signs. He speaks clearly through His Word, and when you’re in fellowship with Him, the Holy Spirit makes that truth understandable. Let’s cut through the noise and discover how to hear the voice of God.
Prayer:
Before we begin, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ be sure that you have privately named your sins to God the Father using 1 John 1:9 (If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness). You will then be in fellowship with God, filled with the Holy Spirit, and ready to learn Bible doctrine. If you have never personally believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as your savior, the issue is not naming your sins, but faith alone in Christ alone. John 3:36 (He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.)
The Problem: Competing Voices
From podcasts to influencers to our own inner dialogue, there’s no shortage of noise. Add in anxiety, emotions, and culture’s mantra to “follow your heart,” and it becomes easy to confuse God’s voice with our own desires.
But here’s the danger: the loudest voice isn’t always the right one.
“There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way of death.” — Proverbs 14:12 (NASB)
The Biblical Solution: God Speaks Through Doctrine, Not Drama
God has already spoken through His Word. Today, He speaks through the Bible, taught by a prepared pastor-teacher, and made clear to you by the Holy Spirit—when you’re in fellowship (1 John 1:9).
“All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB)
Three Reliable Ways God Speaks
1. The Bible—God’s Complete Revelation
The Bible is not a suggestion book—it’s the voice of God recorded in written form. You won’t hear God clearly if you’re not regularly in the Word.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (NASB)
Application: Set aside time daily to read Scripture. If you’re new, start in the Gospel of John or Proverbs.
2. Doctrinal Teaching Under the Spirit’s Control
You cannot interpret Scripture accurately on your own. You need a pastor-teacher with the spiritual gift and preparation to teach, and you need to be filled with the Spirit to understand it.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things.” — John 14:26 (NASB)
Application: Confess any known sins (1 John 1:9), then learn under a biblically sound teacher—like R.B. Thieme III—who communicates doctrine with precision.
3. Spiritual Discernment Over Emotional Impulses
God’s voice often contradicts your feelings. That’s because truth isn’t based on emotion but on divine absolutes.
“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick.” — Jeremiah 17:9 (NASB)
Application: Measure every “feeling” against Scripture. If it contradicts the Bible, it isn’t from God—no matter how strong the impression.
Practical Steps to Tune Out the Noise
Confess Your Sins Daily (1 John 1:9)
You can’t hear from God if you’re out of fellowship. Start every study time with confession.
Designate Quiet Time
Eliminate distractions. Carve out time each day to read, reflect, and pray.
Commit to Consistent Bible Study
Not emotional devotionals—but doctrine. Seek out recordings or live teaching from an accurate Bible teacher.
Filter Everything Through the Word
Social media, advice, even sermons—compare everything to the Bible. The Word is the filter.
Reflection Questions
Am I confusing God’s voice with my own feelings or desires?
Do I spend more time listening to the world than to the Word?
What can I remove from my life this week to better hear God’s voice?
Closing Encouragement
Hearing God doesn’t require emotional highs, signs, or dramatic experiences. It requires humility, fellowship, and consistent intake of Bible doctrine. If you want clarity, peace, and direction—you’ll find it in the quiet authority of His Word.
“The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” — Psalm 119:130 (NASB)
Allow time to study Bible doctrine and prayer and apply what you learn to your life, but you can’t do this alone. You need a pastor-teacher. I recommend the teachings from Pastor R.B. Thieme II and his son R.B. Thieme III.. We cannot know the Will of God for our lives without understanding who and what he is! Knowledge builds trust, and trust builds knowledge.