How do you know God is encouraging you?

[ClassicWaeve]

Whenever I am doing my school work (mostly essays), or on my job, numerous thoughts can come into my mind in forms of, “did you really do that well”, or “you could have done this or that” or “Come on you can do better than that.” How do you know which ones are from God or ones that just comes to discourage you and bring despair? I believe that most of those thoughts come to bring despair but how do I know if it is, or not, simply God trying to make me better? What are your guy’s thoughts and opinion on this?

 

[Justin_Mary]

If it moves you to do what is right, it’s from God. If it moves you to do what you know is wrong, it is not.

 

[drac16]

Next time you are about to do work, say “Lord, please make any evil influence that may come upon me fall hopelessly to the ground”. That way you will know that you are not being mislead by Satan or other demons. Always ask for protection.

 

[po18guy]

I notice that all of your mental questions are in the negative. Honestly, I must say that this aligns with scrupulosity, closely related to some forms of anxiety. I would begin by have a conversation with your parish priest and go from there.

 

[Fati]

What are your guy’s thoughts and opinion on this?

Deric prince book
Blessing or Curse: You Can Choose: Freedom from Pressures You Thought You Had to Live With

Do you know what forces are influencing your life from day to day?

Do you feel under mental, emotional or financial pressure much of the time? Are your closest relationships in turmoil? Do you wonder why success comes easily to others but seems to elude you?

In Blessing or Curse , Prince shows how the forces behind blessings and curses might be at work in your life.

Drawing from God’s Word and real-life experiences, Prince will help you understand the causes of curses and teach you how to be set free from them, so that you can start enjoying the benefits of God’s blessings. In this expanded edition, each chapter is followed by a study lesson (for yourself or for a small group) with review questions, a life application section and a memory verse.

 

[erosiona]

A wise Brother once told me if it disturbs you it’s not from God.

 

[Rozellelily]

Honestly, all those things just sound to me like negative self talk
The inner critic, so to speak.
More religious people may have a different experience, but for me personally God has never got involved in my day on a “micro level” to that degree.

If it s actually bothering you/affecting your negatively, maybe google how to silence your inner critic.

Blessing or Curse: You Can Choose: Freedom from Pressures You Thought You Had to Live With

Does he/she need this sort of further confusion in their lives?
Not everything is due from spiritual causes, and I gather OP is a young person so it’s extra important not to lead them astray

 

[ClassicWaeve]

I do not know if these things are exactly curses, but that sounds like an interesting book to read.

 

[ClassicWaeve]

Alright Alright, I see… thank you.

 

[MNathaniel]

If it’s not loving, it’s not from God.

That doesn’t mean God’s Word never disciplines us… but he always does so with love.

A voice that accuses you is (if not just your own negative self-talk) the voice of the Accuser: the enemy: the devil.

God is not the accuser. God is the good Father, the Advocate, the humble servant Son who teaches us not to be anxious.

God always builds us up. That doesn’t mean he gives the stamp of approval to evil acts – but when his voice steps into our lives, it is to bless us and bring us closer into union with him. If a voice you hear pushes you the opposite way, especially to discouragement or despair… it’s not from God. Turn to God in those moments, in prayer. Ask him to let you hear his voice, instead of the accusing voice.

 

[GladTidings]

For me, God’s encouragement is contained in my awareness of what is called actual grace. I think of it as God’s way of reminding us of His law, or helping us to turn back if we have fallen into serious sin. For example, if someone has sinned, they might have the feeling of needing to go to confession.

 

[EugeneCharles]

God always encourages us. He encourage us to be good, loving, and etc. If that is God’s encouragement, you can feel that it will result the good and not for the bad things. It’s selfless and filled with love. Always pray to God, for sure, He will answer your prayers.