Discerning the Voice that Leads You!

“But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.” – Hebrews 5:14 (NASB)

Let’s talk about discernment. Not the spooky, over-spiritual kind some people make it out to be, but the kind that’s rooted in a close walk with Jesus—the kind that keeps you from walking into situations that look good but feel off.

Have you ever been in a situation where everything seemed fine on the surface, but something in your spirit just didn’t sit right? Maybe it was a conversation, a relationship, a business opportunity, or even a ministry connection. On paper, it looked like a blessing—but deep down, you knew something was off. That’s discernment. That’s the Holy Spirit whispering, “This isn’t Me.”

But here’s the thing: if we’re not spending consistent time with Jesus, in His Word, and listening for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we’ll miss it. We’ll ignore the red flags. We’ll override that “check” in our spirit. We’ll get swept up in emotions, people’s opinions, or our own logic—and end up in places God never meant for us to be.

Discernment isn’t something we’re born with. It’s something that grows as we grow in relationship with Jesus. Hebrews 5:14 reminds us that discernment comes from practice—from maturity. It’s built through time spent in His presence, letting the Word sharpen our understanding, and learning to recognize His voice above the noise.

John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”You won’t follow a voice you don’t recognize. And you won’t recognize His voice if you’re not close to Him.

If I’m honest, there’ve been times I ignored discernment. I knew the Holy Spirit was cautioning me, but I moved forward anyway because I didn’t want to seem rude, or I didn’t trust that quiet nudge. Every time, I wished I had listened.

On the flip side, when I have listened—when I’ve paused, prayed, and let the Lord lead—I’ve been protected. Maybe not always from pain, but definitely from being misled or manipulated. That’s the power of discernment: it’s God’s gift to guard our hearts and guide our steps.

Here are a few things to reflect on today:

1. Are you consistently spending time with Jesus?

   
   

   Discernment flows from intimacy. If you're feeling unsure or easily confused lately, check in with your time in the Word and prayer.

2. Are you asking the Holy Spirit to guide you?

   
   

   James 1:5 says if we lack wisdom, we can ask—and God will give it generously.

3. Are you paying attention to that “check” in your spirit?

   
   

   Don’t ignore it. That hesitation might be the Holy Spirit trying to steer you away from something that looks good but isn’t God.

Prayer:Jesus, I want to know You more. I want to hear Your voice clearly and follow Your lead. Train my spirit to discern what’s from You and what isn’t. Help me recognize when something isn’t right, even if I can’t explain it. Grow my discernment as I stay close to You and fill my heart with Your Word. I surrender my decisions to You—lead me in truth. Amen.

Want to go deeper? Read these Scriptures this week:

• Proverbs 3:5-6

• Romans 12:2

• 1 John 4:1

• Philippians 1:9-10

If this resonated with you, maybe take a moment and ask the Lord: “Is there anything in my life right now where I need to pause and ask for Your discernment?” Don’t rush. He’s not trying to hide His voice from you—He’s inviting you closer.

In Him,

Heather Bradley