Is it the Holy Spirit speaking?
Philippians 1:9-10:
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."
Have you ever sensed a voice within you, guiding your decisions and nudging you in a certain direction? As a Christian, you might have encountered teachings or sermons suggesting that this inner voice could be the Holy Spirit speaking to you.
But unlike the biblical times when God directly communicated with His people or manifested through natural phenomena like burning bushes, today's experiences seem more subtle.
That said, God's communication was explicit and tangible, leaving little room for doubt. However, in contemporary times, discerning the Holy Spirit's voice is not as straightforward. This raises a fundamental question: How can you be certain that the inner voice you are hearing is indeed the Holy Spirit, guiding you toward the right path?
When it comes to figuring out if it is the Holy Spirit talking, there are some hurdles to watch out for.
One common pitfall is mixing up your emotions with spiritual nudges. Feelings can be tricky; they might feel profound, but not everything deep is from the Holy Spirit. Take a step back, reflect, and make sure it aligns with what you know from the Bible.
Another snag to avoid is getting your wishes tangled up with what you think is divine guidance. It happens to the best of us – wanting something so badly that we convince ourselves it is what God wants too. But, here is the thing: personal desires and divine guidance are not always the same. Take a moment to ask yourself if what you are feeling lines up with God's character and His Word.
Moreover, sometimes, what seems like the Holy Spirit might be a trick from the adversary, pushing you to do something that does not align with God's will.
Consider a scenario where you are grappling with negative emotions like anger, resentment, or a desire to act selfishly. Instead of recognizing these emotions for what they are – human struggles or temptations – the adversary may subtly suggest that these feelings are a form of divine guidance. By doing so, the adversary aims to mislead you into thinking that your self-centered desires align with the will of the Holy Spirit.
When figuring out if it is the Holy Spirit speaking, the Bible becomes your guide.
First off, check if what you are hearing aligns with what is already written. The Holy Spirit will not go against the teachings in the Scriptures. So, if it does not match up, it might not be Him.
Another thing to consider is whether it lines up with who God is. The Holy Spirit does not contradict God's character. God is love, patience, and goodness. If what you are feeling or hearing does not jive with these qualities, it is time to take a closer look.
Finally, keep an eye on the fruit of the Spirit. In the Bible, it talks about the evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence in a person's life. These fruits include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If what you are experiencing does not bear these fruits, it might not be the Holy Spirit at work.
Hebrews 5:14:
"But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."
James 1:5:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
As you walk your spiritual journey, remember that growing in discernment is an ongoing process.
Take time to read and understand the Bible regularly. The more you immerse yourself in its teachings, the clearer the guidance from the Holy Spirit becomes.
Moreover, remember that it is okay to seek guidance and learn from others. The journey is about progress, not perfection.
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