Learning to Listen to the Holy Spirit

For a long time, I’ve wanted to be more sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. I’ve prayed for discernment, for the ability to recognise when God is guiding me. But I’ve come to realise that sometimes, He speaks in ways that aren’t loud or obvious—sometimes, it’s a quiet stirring in my spirit, a gentle nudge rather than a command.

This truth became real to me when my daughter’s friend, Tom, invited me to his comedy performance. I wanted to support him, so I went. But as I sat there, something in me felt uneasy. It wasn’t just that some of the jokes were crude or inappropriate—it was deeper than that. My spirit was restless, unsettled. I felt the Holy Spirit speaking, not in words, but in conviction: “This is not for you. You don’t need to be here.”

At first, I questioned it. Was I overthinking? Being too sensitive? But the longer I sat there, the more I knew—I wasn’t meant to be in that environment. And I realised something important: when God speaks, He often reminds us of His Word. In that moment, Philippians 4:8 came to mind:

"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

I left that night with clarity. The Holy Spirit was guiding me, teaching me to pay attention to what I allow into my mind and heart.

Then came the second invitation. This time, I didn’t hesitate. I remembered Proverbs 22:3:

"A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished."

The first time, I needed to experience it to understand. The second time, I had a choice. And I chose peace. I chose to listen. This I believe is walking in obedience.

This experience taught me something powerful: the Holy Spirit doesn’t always speak through dramatic signs. Often, it’s a subtle stirring, a quiet knowing, an absence of peace. And when I pay attention to that, when I trust it, I find myself exactly where God wants me to be.

I finally get it now—listening to the Holy Spirit isn’t about waiting for a loud voice from heaven. It’s about tuning in to the gentle guidance that has been there all along.