Discernment: 5 Signs God Might Be Calling You
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10)
Discerning God’s call is one of the most sacred and challenging journeys a person can undertake. Whether one is discerning priesthood, religious life, marriage, or a deeper lay commitment, the process involves both listening and responding. In a noisy world filled with competing voices, how can we recognize when it is truly God who is calling?
This reflection explores five key signs that may indicate a divine calling and offers practical insights rooted in Scripture, tradition, and personal experience. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Every vocation is born of that gaze of love with which the Lord came to meet us” (Christus Vivit §276).
“Every vocation begins with an encounter—with the gaze of Jesus who calls and invites us to follow Him.” — Christus Vivit §277
1. A Deep Interior Restlessness
One of the first signs of a calling is a sense of holy disquiet—a restlessness that refuses to fade. St. Augustine expressed it best: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You” (Confessions I,1). This interior stirring often begins subtly: an unease with the ordinary routine, or a longing for something more meaningful. It is not mere dissatisfaction but a spiritual thirst that pushes the soul toward God’s purpose.
For personal guidance, a journal like Catholic Prayer Journal can help record these stirrings and reflections during your discernment process.
2. Growing Joy and Peace in Prayer
God’s call brings peace—even amid uncertainty. While discernment involves struggle, authentic vocation does not lead to despair. Instead, moments of prayer often produce an unexplainable joy and inner clarity. This peace, as St. Ignatius of Loyola taught, is the fruit of the Spirit confirming the right direction (Spiritual Exercises, Rules for Discernment, 1st Week).
Case Study: Maria, a college student in Davao, began attending daily Mass and felt drawn to volunteer in her parish. While discerning whether to enter a religious community, she noticed that prayer brought her peace, even though she was anxious about her parents’ reaction. Over time, this peace deepened into confidence that her desire aligned with God’s will.
“True peace is not the absence of struggle but the presence of God in the heart.”
3. Affirmation Through the Community
Discernment is never purely private. God often confirms His call through the voices of others—friends, mentors, and spiritual directors. The Pastores Dabo Vobis emphasizes that vocation must be discerned and verified in the context of the Church community (§37). When others recognize your gifts for service or your growing compassion and dedication, these affirmations may point toward a calling.
For reading on spiritual mentorship and guidance, consider Spiritual Mentorship: Walking with Godly Guides.
4. A Desire to Serve and Give Oneself
Another sign of God’s call is the growing desire to give one’s life for others. Genuine vocation is always outward-looking—it leads to love expressed in service. As Vatican II taught in Gaudium et Spes, “man... cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself” (§24).
Practical tools for active service include guides like Catholic Service Handbook, which provide ideas for parish and community involvement.
5. Perseverance Amid Challenges
Every authentic call is tested. Confusion, fatigue, or even failure may arise along the way. But when a person continues to trust God despite obstacles, it reveals that the call is not merely emotional but rooted in faith. The experience of the prophet Jeremiah captures this truth: “You duped me, O Lord, and I let myself be duped” (Jer 20:7). Despite his pain, Jeremiah could not resist God’s call.
For encouragement, Daily Devotional for Discernment provides reflections and prayers to persevere in faith.
“Authentic discernment is not about finding an easy path, but about remaining faithful when God’s silence tests your love.”
Practical Applications
- Set aside daily moments of silence to listen to your heart’s movements.
- Seek spiritual direction or guidance from a priest or mentor.
- Journal your experiences of joy, peace, and restlessness in prayer.
- Engage in service or ministry where you can live out your discernment actively.
Conclusion: God’s Call Is a Journey of Love
Discernment is not about achieving certainty but about deepening trust. God’s call unfolds gradually, through prayer, relationships, and experiences. As we grow attentive to His voice, we realize that every vocation—whether to priesthood, marriage, or single life—is ultimately a response to Love.
Call to Action: How have you experienced God’s call in your life? Share your journey, doubts, or moments of clarity in the comments. Your story may inspire someone discerning their own path today.
Recommended Resources
- Life of Service
- Spiritual Mentorship: Walking with Godly Guides
- Daily Devotional for Discernment
- Rosary Beads Set
- Catholic Inspirational Wall Art
- Guided Prayer Notebook
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