Written on 3 May 2025.

How to Hear from God

In a world where deception is rampant and spiritual confusion abounds, many believers ask the vital question: How do I know if I'm hearing from God or from the enemy? This article draws extensively from a recent teaching by Moishe in Galilee and outlines how a believer can discern the voice of God while avoiding the traps of Satan.

Foundations of Hearing from God

The most important and foundational way to hear from God is through the Scriptures. Moishe repeatedly stresses that God will never contradict His own Word:

Let the word be a light unto my feet.

This biblical principle implies that guidance must always align with the Bible. If a voice or thought leads in opposition to Scripture, it is not from God.

To properly hear from God through His Word, a believer must study it regularly with the help of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who enables understanding and spiritual discernment.

Avoiding Deception: Feelings Are Not Confirmation

One of the most dangerous and common mistakes is relying on feelings as a way to confirm God's voice. Moishe gives examples of how feelings can be manipulated, especially in charismatic-style church environments where music and group dynamics can stir emotions that are mistaken for divine confirmation.

Satan is capable of projecting false feelings:

The Scripture in Ephesians speaks of the darts of the enemy. These are thoughts, notions, and feelings that Satan injects.

Therefore, a good feeling is not evidence of God's approval or presence. Discernment requires testing by Scripture, not emotion.

Free Will and Growth Through Training

God expects His people to grow spiritually, which includes exercising free will and learning from experience. Asking God about every minor decision (such as what store to shop at or whether to travel on a weekend) can be a form of avoiding responsibility for one’s growth.

Just as a soldier must be trained through action and learning, so must a believer:

A soldier has to know how to fight. How does he learn? He makes mistakes, and through correction, he grows.

Instead of seeking constant micromanagement from God, believers are to walk according to Scripture, make informed decisions, and remain ready to obey when clear direction is given.

When God Does Speak

Moishe outlines how God often speaks:

Through a quick, clear insight or memory that aligns with the Word.
Through conviction of the Holy Spirit, which may be experienced as a powerful, unshakable check.
Through an immediate clarity that may redirect your thinking.

Importantly, God does not create confusion or manipulate emotions. If no clear direction is given, the believer should stand still and wait for marching orders. Presumption or hyperactivity is not the same as faith.

Instant Answers from God

Moishe shares a personal insight about how God often responds quickly:

A lot of times before I finish asking, I have the answer.

He explains that the Lord will often provide clarity or bring a relevant Scripture or memory to mind immediately—sometimes even before the full prayer or question is spoken. This kind of response, especially when it aligns with the Word and bypasses emotional manipulation, is a key indicator that it is God answering.

Testing the Spirits: 1 John 4

Moishe emphasizes that 1 John 4:1–3 refers to testing spirits, not people. This means the believer is to spiritually discern the spirit operating within or through a person—not simply evaluate the person themselves. Unclean spirits will not confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.

The test is applied to the spirit or influence, not to the outer person. A person may be lost without being possessed, or they may be under the influence of an unclean spirit. If a demon is present and manifesting through someone, it will not be able to confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. However, a lost human being, even if unsaved, may still be able to repeat those words with their mouth. This is why the test must be applied on the spirit and not on the person.

The Role of Conviction

Conviction from the Holy Spirit is not the same as emotional discomfort. It often comes with great clarity and stops a believer from doing something wrong. Moishe describes an example from years ago:

I was preaching, and the conviction was so strong I had to stop. I couldn’t go on. That’s not a feeling. That’s the Holy Spirit saying, 'Stop this now.'

After Redemption: Clearer Guidance

Moishe teaches that after the future Great Exodus and the redemption of Israel, believers will receive a new heart and spirit, enabling more direct guidance:

Then shall you hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way, walk ye in it.' But that is not for now.

For now, the believer must rely on Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and spiritual maturity to navigate life's decisions.

Conclusion

Hearing from God requires discernment, patience, and spiritual maturity. The key is to remain grounded in Scripture, reject emotional manipulation, and resist the urge to bypass free will and spiritual growth. Believers must test the spirits, walk in obedience, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead according to truth, not feelings.

Let the Word be your lamp, not your emotions.