Learning how to discern revelation is a lifelong process. During some seasons, you may even wonder whether you’re receiving divine guidance at all.
But thankfully, we don’t have to question if God is speaking to us. Dr. Aaron D. Franklin, author of What Is Truth? Navigating a World of Faith, Science, and Noise, writes about an insight that makes all the difference in feeling assured about the reality of revelation:
“My wife, Lianne, ... said whenever she’s wondering about God speaking to her regarding a certain topic or question she’s praying about, instead of wondering ‘is He?’ she reassures herself that ‘He is.’ The simple rearrangement of two short words transforms uncertainty to confidence.
“This confidence is born out of earnestly and faithfully seeking truth from God, and it means we don’t have to require bold manifestations that are seen or heard in order to trust that the Spirit is guiding us.”1
This framework helps remind us that God is always reaching out to us. As Dr. Franklin explains, “Because He’s always speaking, I can trust that He’s there whenever I strive to listen.”2
Trusting Him and Tuning In
How can we listen to what God is already saying? Dr. Franklin suggests that we need to have faith that He is guiding us and keep an open mind about what His direction might sound like.
One analogy that he finds helpful is thinking about seeking revelation like tuning in to a radio: “[God has] already spoken and it’s just up to me to tune in and trust that the message is being received (even when it can be difficult to tell).”3
Just as adjusting a radio’s antenna or location can create a clearer sound, we can improve our ability to receive God’s signals.
“Radio waves … are constantly out in the ether, and we just have to tune in,” Dr. Franklin explains.4 “They’re there all the time. But when we tune in with a device that is designed to receive, then we start to get the information. …
“It’s been such a game changer for me … to trust that [communication from God] is happening. … By and large, it’s just a confidence that if I’m doing my best and I am petitioning the Lord for the ability to receive His guidance and understand it, and then I move forward, that I can trust it’s there.”
Some ways that we can improve our receptivity to God’s communication are studying the scriptures, attending church, worshiping in the temple, and making time to ponder.
What About When God Seems Silent?
Even if we trust in God’s voice and seek to hear it, there may be moments when it feels like our “reception” is blocked. Busy seasons, mental health challenges, and stress can all make our metaphorical revelation radio sound not only staticky but silent. In these cases, we may need outside support to address these factors and feel more receptive to God’s voice.
But despite trying our best to hear Him, we may experience periods when God seems silent. Dr. Franklin suggests that these stages are opportunities to fortify our faith and look back at what God has already revealed, either in our own lives or through the words of scriptures and modern-day prophets:
“Even in times when it seems heaven is silent, if we are petitioning the Lord and striving to hear the Spirit, then we may consider amplifying our confidence that He is there, speaking, and guiding us, even if we do not recognize the particular mechanism for how He is doing so. Before we call, He has already answered. This really speaks to the omniscience and foreknowledge of God. … It is quite possible that the answers we seek only need to be discovered, not newly received. The Savior’s words come to mind here: ‘your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him’ (Matthew 6:8).”5
So, the next time you find yourself asking, “Is God speaking to me?” find confidence in reminding yourself, “He is.”
For more insights about recognizing revelation, check out the articles below:
▶ It’s time we stop limiting revelation to a ‘burning in the bosom’
▶ Struggling to receive revelation? This fascinating perspective will help
▶ Answers to your 7 biggest questions about personal revelation
Discern truth amid confusion
Notes
1. Aaron D. Franklin, What Is Truth? Navigating a World of Faith, Science, and Noise (Deseret Book, 2025), 97–98.
2. Franklin, What Is Truth? 97.
3. Ibid.
4. Aaron D. Franklin, interview with LDS Living, August 12, 2024.
5. Franklin, What Is Truth? 101.
