I’m Stumped! Is This God’s Voice or Just Me?

Is this God’s voice or just my own thoughts?
If you’ve ever whispered that question in your heart, you’re not alone.

In a world that’s constantly shouting opinions, expectations, and “shoulds,” it’s easy to second-guess whether what we’re sensing is God’s leading—or just our inner dialogue on overdrive.

As we continue our summer theme of “Becoming Who God Says I Am,” we’re starting with the mind—because that’s where most battles are won or lost. (ICYMI: In Week 1, we tackled doubt and overthinking; in Week 2, we discovered why faith > certainty. Catch up here).

This week, we’re pausing to ask a big question:
“How do I know this is God speaking and not just me over-analyzing again?”

Lysa TerKeurst once said,

“We won’t fully trust God until we fully know Him. And we won’t fully know Him if we keep letting the noise of life drown out His voice.”

Whew. That one hits, right?

So today, let’s get super practical. If you’ve been wondering how to discern God’s voice from your own thoughts, here are 5 ways to begin filtering the noise and aligning your thoughts with His truth.

Let’s go, Light Finder.✨

5 Ways to Know If It’s God’s Voice (and Not Just You Overthinking)

1. His voice aligns with His Word

This is the first and biggest filter.

God will never contradict Himself. If you’re sensing a direction, a desire, or a decision… hold it up to Scripture. Does it line up with what you know of God’s character and commands?

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
— John 10:27 (NIV)

You don’t need a lightning bolt or audible voice—just a quiet confirmation that it doesn’t go against His truth.

If you’re not sure, dig into understanding how to pray and listen (or borrow my method inside the Ultimate Prayer Bundle where I walk you through listening prayer and and the different types of prayer and understanding the best times and places to pray).

2. God’s voice brings peace, not panic

Have you ever made a decision because you felt anxious, rushed, or backed into a corner?

That’s usually not God.

God’s voice may convict, but it won’t condemn. It may challenge you, but it won’t crush you with pressure.

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:33 (ESV)

Yes, God might ask you to do something uncomfortable—but His Spirit brings peace, even in the stretch.

3. His voice leads to surrender, not control

When you think it’s God’s voice, ask:
Am I trying to control the outcome, or am I willing to trust Him even if I don’t know the full picture?

God often speaks in ways that invite us to surrender, take the next step, and then see what’s next.

Remember in Week 2 when we talked about how faith is greater than certainty? (If you missed it, read that post here.) God’s voice often calls us to let go of needing to know and simply follow.

4. God’s voice is consistent—not trendy

God won’t change His mind based on culture or convenience. This may confuse you because we’re so used to people not following through or changing what they said, but not God. His Word has been written down and proven for centuries.

If you feel like God is leading you in a direction today and the opposite direction tomorrow—it might be time to pause and listen again. But, give yourself a break. Hearing God’s voice becomes clearer and easier as you practice this in prayer.

We live in a culture that constantly tells you what “success” looks like: hustle harder, marry later, travel more, build your brand, look perfect. This is something that really bothers me…the constant pushing and judging when really, God’s voice is all that truly matters.

God’s voice often whispers the opposite:
Slow down. Stay rooted. Choose peace. Choose purpose. Choose Me.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
— Romans 12:2 (NIV)

That’s why July’s focus—Start with the Mind—is so key.

5. His voice is confirmed through community, not isolation

Sometimes you think you’re hearing from God, but you’re unsure. That’s when godly community matters most.

If you’re married, talk with your spouse. If you’re part of a small group or church community, ask a mentor or trusted friend to pray with you. God’s voice often echoes through His people.

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
— Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)

And if you don’t have someone to process with, this is why we created The Light Finders community. Come hang out with us on Facebook — we’re walking this out together. Like and follow us today!

So… is this God or just me?

Here’s a quick gut-check you can use:

✔️ Does it line up with Scripture?
✔️ Do I feel peace—not panic?
✔️ Is this inviting surrender, not control?
✔️ Is it consistent with God’s character? (And knowing God comes through prayer – get your prayer bundle here now to gain clarity – myicanstory.com/prayer )
✔️ Has it been confirmed by trusted people?

If you’re saying yes to most of these, friend, there’s a good chance God is speaking—you just need to keep tuning in, but my guess is you’re saying no to most of these. It is hard to tell, but you can learn His voice through prayer.

You will need help learning how to hear His voice daily, so I get The Ultimate Prayer Bundle now.

The Ultimate Prayer Bundle was designed for women like you—smart, capable, committed women who want to grow closer to God but aren’t sure where to start. Inside, I guide you step-by-step through prayer tools that help you filter out the noise and actually recognize God’s voice in your everyday life.

That’s a Wrap!

If you’ve been stuck wondering, “Is this God or just me?” — then today’s post is insight to gain the clarity you need. It is time to go further any be intentional.

Remember: you’re not meant to figure this out alone. You’re becoming who God says you are… and He promises to guide you one step at a time.

Catch up on the other posts in this series:

🔹 “Ditch the Doubt: How to Stop Overthinking and Trust God’s Plan”
🔹“You Don’t Have to Have it All Figured Out: Why Faith > Certainty”

Next week, we’ll wrap up July’s Start-with-the-Mind focus with:
*3 Steps to Start Renewing Your Mind Today” – don’t miss it!

In the meantime, check out the Ultimate Prayer Bundle if you’re ready to quiet the noise and hear His voice for real.

We’re cheering you on, with love and grace. Keep walking in the Light. 🕯️