Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
Ephesians 3:20  

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Envision yourself on a beach. Seriously, close your eyes for a second, and see it in your mind’s eye. Feel it. Listen to it. 

Did you see the classic long white sand beach and hear seagulls? Perhaps you experienced the rugged East Coast, seeing cliffs, feeling a chill through your jacket. Maybe you were standing on pebbles in Iceland, watching the sun glint off icebergs? I guided your thoughts when I suggested a beach, but your previous encounters mingled with mine to create a personal snapshot. The Holy Spirit nudges and whispers to me in this same way. My thoughts get tangled up with the Holy Spirit’s intentions as I lean into discernment to sort out His direction.

The Holy Spirit has many roles in the life of a believer, including teacher and guide. The more I am aware of the Holy Spirit’s intention to communicate with me, the more I recognize His voice. If the thought comes to reach out to someone in kindness or to be extra generous to a cause, I have learned over the years that it is most likely the Holy Spirit. He may let me decide—text or call, or whether to use a check or credit card—but the thought is a nudge from Him.

God can do more than we ever imagined through us when we pay attention to the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit. The same power (the Holy Spirit) that resurrected Jesus from the dead is at work in us.

But how do we know we are hearing from Him? I practice by consulting Him. I ask for guidance in simple things. For example, I start packing for a trip a week in advance, and I ask the Holy Spirit if I need something I haven’t considered. I give myself time to hear His reply. Before I leave the house, I pause and ask if I am forgetting anything. If He brings something to mind, I thank Him.

Sometimes, it’s something more consequential,  “Holy Spirit, you know I am spiraling from her comments. Help me see this with the correct perspective. Right now, I am telling myself to never speak again. That can’t be right. Is she wrong? Is there a truth to learn about myself?” Then I wait. A song lyric, a word from a friend, or a daily Scripture or devotional may lead me in the direction of regaining balance.

Often, nudges from the Holy Spirit are not dramatic or world-changing. It is a call to a simple connection  That call may be impactful to individuals in our spheres of influence or move us to join a larger cause because the united group can accomplish more than one person alone.

Next Steps

The Holy Spirit nudges and doesn’t demand. Invite the Holy Spirit into your life. Ask Him a direct question, and then live in awareness of your thoughts. Sometimes, He tells us to move or to speak. Other times, He instructs us to be silent and still.