God's voice is clearly distinct from the many voices that we hear each day. There are some giveaways that we need to be on the lookout for to be able to distinguish His voice from others.
God's voice versus Satan's
God's voice is very different from Satan's in many ways. One of the most helpful criteria to use would be that of their nature: God is loving, true and freeing. Satan, on the other hand, is a liar, murderer and condemning. When you get to hear a certain voice, check if the nature of the message, no matter how soft-spoken the voice may be, is reflective of God's nature or not. Best of all, check that voice in light of the Word of God. If the Word of God contradicts it, then don't believe it.
God's voice versus yours
Distinguishing God's voice from our own, however, is a totally different thing. While Satan's voice is in clear opposition to God, ours is different. The Bible says the "heart is deceitful above all things" (see Jeremiah 17:9), and because of this we find it harder to distinguish our voice from the Lord's.
Some might say "you'll know it if it's God speaking to you." But really, how do you know? Both God and Satan's voice seem to sound like our own inside our heads, and unless we know how to distinguish them, we're sure to be misled at times.
Here are a few tips on how to distinguish God's voice from your own:
1. Don't believe everything you hear
Jeremiah 17:9 says our hearts are deceitful above all things, and thus we should not trust it. We shouldn't be critical of everything, but we shouldn't be naïve either. 1 John 4:1 further instructs us, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
2. Check the message and the motive behind it
Whatever you hear, decide not to automatically obey or believe it at first sign. Rather, take some time to check the message and its motive. Supposing you hear a spiritual-sounding message spoken to you, biblical jargon included, ask yourself: 'Does it go contrary to or in support of what the Word of God says?'
Keep in mind that our minds have the capacity to mess up what we have read in the Bible, and mix it with our own desires. Another factor you have to consider is that Satan is out there trying to confuse all the believers with his half-truths. Remember, he used Scripture in his attempt to tempt and derail Jesus while our Lord was fasting (see Luke 4:1-13; Matthew 4:1-11).
3. Prioritise what the Word of God says
Friend, I suggest you read the Word of God and let it speak to you more than any voice in the world, including your own. The Word of God is the Word of God, coming from the very heart and mouth of God, spoken to His people in different times and places. When we stick to the pure Word of God, we'll never be misled by any voice.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)
