We’ve all been there—standing at a crossroads, praying with furrowed brows, “Lord, is this Your will or just my own desire?” Whether you’re considering a job change, moving to a new city, pursuing a relationship, or saying yes to an opportunity that excites you, discerning between God’s voice and your personal preferences can feel like navigating fog with a flashlight.

So how do we know when it’s God leading—or when it’s just us?

1. God’s Will Isn’t a Scavenger Hunt

Sometimes we treat God’s will like it’s hidden behind a curtain, and we have to decipher the right combination of prayer, fasting, and spiritual gut-checks to figure it out. But God is not playing games with our lives. He delights in guiding His children.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

The truth is, God’s will is less about uncovering a secret plan and more about becoming the kind of person who walks in step with His Spirit—no matter where you go or what decision you make.

2. Check the Compass: Scripture, Community, and Peace

God’s leading never contradicts His Word. If you’re sensing a pull in a certain direction, ask:

• Does this align with biblical values?

• What do mature believers around me think?

• Do I have peace—not comfort, but peace—about this decision?

Peace doesn’t mean you won’t feel nervous. It means that, underneath the uncertainty, there’s a settled confidence that God is with you.

3. Watch for Open and Closed Doors—but Don’t Idolize Them

It’s easy to think, “If God closes the door, it wasn’t meant to be.” And sometimes that’s true. But scripture also shows us people who walked through hardship, not because God was absent, but because He was with them in it. Think of Joseph in prison. Paul shipwrecked. Jesus in Gethsemane.

A closed door doesn’t always mean “no,” and an open door doesn’t always mean “yes.” We need to seek God’s voice, not just circumstances.

4. Your Desires Aren’t Automatically Wrong

It’s possible that what you want is what God wants for you. Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” This doesn’t mean He’ll grant every wish like a vending machine. It means when your delight is in Him, your desires are more aligned with His.

So don’t immediately distrust your dreams. Ask: Have I submitted this to God? Am I open to Him saying no—or not yet?

5. Timing Matters as Much as Direction

Sometimes the question isn’t if—but when. God’s will might include that job, relationship, or adventure, but not yet. Waiting is one of the hardest parts of faith, and yet it’s often where our trust is refined.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us that God “has made everything beautiful in its time.” We miss out on the beauty when we force what was meant to unfold slowly.

6. Discernment Requires Stillness

We often want quick answers, but God tends to speak to those who make space to listen. In a world of constant noise, hurry, and hustle, carving out quiet to hear His voice is countercultural—and essential.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

Sometimes the clearest guidance comes not from striving, but from sitting still and simply being with Him.

In Summary:

Discerning between God’s will and your own preferences doesn’t always come with a flashing neon sign. But here’s what you can count on:

• God is not trying to trick you.

• He invites you into a relationship, not a formula.

• He speaks through His Word, His people, His Spirit, and even through your longings.

• His timing, though often mysterious, is always trustworthy.

As you wrestle with decisions big and small, remember this: Your heavenly Father isn’t just interested in your destination. He’s deeply invested in your transformation.