how to tell

Today in the One Year Bible, we read from 1 Corinthians 14:18-40. Paul is talking about the church speaking in tongues. And he says the quote above.

But this quote is useful in other ways. Because it's true. God does not create confusion. He brings peace and tranquility. So that's useful knowledge when you're trying to decide the best course of action.

If you consider one possible action, and you feel a huge pressure to do it NOW and NOT WAIT, and HURRY... that's probably not from God. There are exceptions to most rules, but usually if God is prompting you to do something, you can kind of set it aside and come back to it later, and you'll still feel like you should do it. 

Now, there ARE times that God will prompt you to do something immediately. But when He does that, He usually accompanies the thought with peace and joy.

Often if I feel like I want to buy something, I'll set the idea aside for a few days. If I come back to it a week later and I still think I should buy it, then I go ahead. But normally that's plenty of time for me to STOP thinking it's a great idea... if it's not from Him.

God, thanks for being a God of peace and not confusion. Please help us discern Your will.