3 Guaranteed Signs God Is Trying to Get Your Attention
Inside: Discover 3 common signs God is trying to get your attention, plus a bonus sign practically slapping you in the face. Don’t forget to download the cheat sheet to help you open your eyes and ears to what God is saying to you.
Unhappiness lay heavy on my shoulders, like a prickly, burdensome, persistent shroud. I couldn’t get rid of it, no matter what I tried.
I’d worked for years to accomplish all the things “they” said would make me happy. And I was exhausted from my constant striving to get to my goal of true joy.
I’d gone after the jobs “they” said I should, and I’d gotten them. I excelled and moved up the ranks fast, beating even my own expectations.
I’d collected all the stuff “they” said I should have—the beautiful house, the luxury car, the yuppie clothes. The right vacations, activities, and friends.
And I’d settled into the relationship “they” said I should want, as I did more and went further for him than I ever thought I would or could for another person. As I abandoned myself to my partner, others saw how good it looked from the outside and admired us.
I had it all, everything “they” said I should have, want, and do. And “they” had promised I’d find joy at my destination—where success and accomplishment were. I was supposed to wake up happy every day, float happily through the day, and go to bed on a cloud of happiness every night in my perfect, joy-soaked life.
Except…I didn’t. Because something was missing from my life—the perfect life “they” said would bring me joy.
If only I could figure out what.
Bonus: As a bonus for joining my weekly newsletter, get this free printable download—The Hearing God Cheat Sheet. It gives you 6 guaranteed signs He’s speaking to you, so you can stop missing it.
But First, the Real Problem
It’s annoying, isn’t it? Having an amazing-looking life others envy or admire you for but one which you don’t like. Not even one little bit.
Sure, it’s a good life, overflowing with blessings anyone would be happy to have. But knowing this only makes you feel worse because now you feel ungrateful for your blessings.
Still, unhappiness is your bestie these days, and your search for answers for what makes you happy seems futile. If you’re like me, you’ve tried to fix or numb it by escaping into novels, gratitude practices, volunteering, and affirmations. You’ve tried every happiness fad around, desperate to find happiness and peace with yourself in your bursting-with-blessings life.
But you can’t, because nothing works for longer than a few days. Maybe a couple of weeks if you’re lucky. So you’re always left wondering if happiness will always be just out of your reach.
Well…what if unhappiness isn’t your real problem?
How Do You Know When God Is Trying to Tell You Something?
We’ll talk more about your unhappiness and what it means in a minute because it’s important.
But first, let’s talk about 3 common signs God is trying to get your attention. They’re how you know when God is trying to tell you something.
As we talk about each of these signs, remember this: God is God. He’s not limited in any way, least of all in His methods of getting you to listen to Him. So while these 3 ways are common, they’re not the only signs God is trying to get your attention.
Below, you can get this free printable cheat sheet of signs God is speaking to you, as a handy reminder when you need it.
1. Sign God Is Trying to Get Your Attention—Repetitive Messages
One super obvious way God tries to get your attention is repetition. It’s when a theme or message keeps jumping out at you. It can be through Scripture, sermons, articles, podcasts, or any other means He chooses.
For example, a few years ago I went through this with the theme of love. It seemed like every time I turned around, I bumped into a message about it. Eventually, I noticed God was trying to get my attention with this sign. So I studied love in the Bible, confused about why it kept coming up.
I didn’t know it then but God was preparing me to receive an epic outpouring of His love. And I wouldn’t have known how to receive it if He hadn’t gotten my attention beforehand.
So when repeated messages catch your attention, don’t ignore this sign of what is god trying to tell you. Instead, dig in, educate yourself, and absorb all you can. Otherwise, you may miss what He wants to give you when He wants to give it to you.
2. Sign God Is Trying to Get Your Attention—Friendly Fire
Another obvious sign God is trying to get your attention is through your friends. If a few good friends are all telling you the same thing, don’t discount it just because it’s not what you want to hear.
Yes, the truth can cut you to the quick. But wouldn’t you rather take the hit now so you can make new, better-feeling decisions instead of staying blind, stuck, and unhappy?
Friendly fire may be a sign God is speaking to you through others but be careful with it. If what your friends are telling you contradicts God’s word, this isn’t a sign of God trying to get your attention. So always check human advice and truth—even your own—against God’s word.
Once you’re sure their feedback lines up with God’s word, it’s up to you to decide what to do with the truth you now have. You can keep ignoring God telling you what He wants you to do. Or you can make a new decision and obey Him.
3. Sign God Is Trying to Get Your Attention—a Hardened Heart
Remember how Pharaoh kept getting signs from God meant to convince him to let the Israelites go? And Pharaoh kept hardening his heart because God’s plan didn’t suit his purpose of having a slave labor force.
But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and did not let the people go.
Exodus 8:32 (ESV)
This didn’t only apply to Pharaoh. It’s still relevant today.
For example, several years ago, I lived with a man who wasn’t my husband. I loved him but deep down I knew I didn’t need him. Still, I told myself I couldn’t live without him.
It wasn’t my dream lifestyle, but I’d decided on purpose to devalue myself and compromise God’s standards for me. No, I hadn’t thought of it in those terms when I’d made the choice but it was exactly what I chose.
Meanwhile, I sat in church every Sunday, hardening my heart and ignoring all the signs God wanted to transition me into an emotionally healthy, God-pleasing, joy-soaked way of life.
Related: 4 Sure Signs God Is Pushing You Into Something Better
So check your heart. Are the things that should prick your conscience rolling off you like water off a duck’s back? Then you may be missing a sign God is trying to get your attention.
What Is God Trying to Tell Me? One HUGE Sign You’re Misreading
Remember how we talked about your nagging unhappiness? About how you’re where “they” said you should be yet you’re still not swimming in the joy “they” promised you’d find there?
What if your unhappiness isn’t the real problem? What if it’s a sign God is trying to get your attention? And what if He wants to use your unhappiness to guide you to the true source of your problem?
What if your unhappiness is a gift?
In which case, what you need to do now is to stop getting distracted by the sign—your unhappiness. Stop trying to fix it. You’ll only keep failing anyway since you’re not addressing the real problem.
So what’s the real problem? It’s this: You’re living the life “they” said you should want, not the life God wants for you.
Deep down in your soul, you know it’s true. You know the life God has for you is better than what you have going on now, no matter how amazing it looks. And this is why you’re shrouded in unhappiness you just can’t shake.
So take a moment and thank God for this sign He’s using to get your attention. Then get with Him to get clear on the life you truly want so you can get after it.
Related: What’s Wrong With Me? 3 Simple Steps To More Fulfillment
Bonus Signs God Is Trying to Get Your Attention
If all the other signs God is trying to get your attention don’t work, He may pull out the big guns and speak to you directly.
This may be in an audible voice, the way He did with Samuel:
Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”
1 Samuel 3:7-10 (ESV)
This is sometimes called a Damascus Road sign or moment. It refers to Jesus speaking audibly to Saul—later called Paul—on the road to Damascus before his conversion.
And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one
Acts 9:4-7 (ESV)
God may also speak to you through a strong inner prompting. Whether audibly or by an inner prompting, I’ve found whenever He chooses to speak like this, you can’t miss this sign. And you sure shouldn’t ignore it.
Get Your Free Printable Cheat Sheet for Hearing God
Confusion, frustration, and lack of knowledge can make you miss God trying to get your attention. But you can get back in tune with Him.
Use this cheat sheet as a guide to help you recognize when God is trying to tell you something. You’ll get the 6 Scripture-based signs, plus related Bible verses for each sign.
- Get the free guide. You’ll get the printable guide and join my weekly newsletter. Just click here to get it and subscribe.
- Print. Any type of paper will do.
- Keep your guide where you can easily grab it when you need it, like with your Bible or prayer journal.
Here’s a sneak peek of your free printable guide:
Checklist of Signs God Is Trying to Get Your Attention
Back when I was a pro at trying to be happy, I’d wake up unhappy, drag myself unhappily through my days, and go to bed with an anchor of unhappiness weighing down my soul. My life overflowed with everything “they” said was guaranteed to bring me true joy. Yet something was missing and I didn’t know what.
Turns out, “they” had lied. And I thank God now for my unhappiness because it was a sign He used to get my attention. He used it to get me back on plan and onto the path He’d laid out for me, which was what was missing all along.
Here’s the bottom line: When God is trying to get your attention, it’s because He has a better plan for you. In truth, His way is always better, even when you can’t see the road ahead.
Fair warning, though, His plan includes discomfort. But it also includes more joy, peace, and spiritual growth than you could ever imagine or know to ask for.
So when God is throwing signs at you, trying to get your attention, be like Samuel and answer, “Here I am Lord. I’m listening.”
Before you go, get your FREE printable download to help conquer your confusion—The Essential Guide to Finding Clarity.
How to Know When God Is Trying to Tell You Something Checklist
Use this quick checklist of questions when you need to know if God is trying to get your attention. Get the free printable download to keep with your Bible as a handy reminder when you need it.
Thank you so much for sharing these insights! You’ve been very helpful, and inspiring. I appreciate it greatly, and I feel less alone with the reassurance that God is trying to reach me and help me.
You’re welcome, Jen 🙂 So happy this helped. Keep listening and stay tuned into Him.
I just ran across this site today as I was searching for Spiritual Encouragement. Thank YOU Jesus for guiding me to this forum. I love the Lord and I am so grateful to have HIM in my life. PRAISE GOD! Thank You for this site. I will be back.
I’m so happy you’re enjoying the articles here. Keep reading! And sign up for a free goodie and get on my email list. You get even more great content there!
Not sure if I am being guided here or this is just a coincidence or what but it says to email you or to write to you. Definitely a little confused on what is happening right now
Cheryl, you can sign up for the free download on this page and join my email list so you’ll get encouragement and inspiration in your inbox weekly. Also, yes, you can definitely email me!
Thank you. I really enjoyed your teaching. You have a gift.
Thanks, Steven 🙂 I’m happy the article helped.
What a great pleasure reading through this passage. Thank you so much for opening my eyes. God is truly alive and he dies communicate with us through various means.
You’re very welcome ☺️ God’s always got something to say to us, if only we’ll pay attention to the signs that He’s trying to get our attention!
Thank you. I pray a lot and love reading my bible. Good reminders in this article.
Thank you woman of God , words of wisdom, I bless the Lord for you, Continue edifying the body of Christ, God reveals to redeem
I’m sitting on a beach in Miami and I’m new at fasting. My unhappiness led me to this location in which I’m taking to study my lord, which is how I encountered your blog. When I tell you that you have hit the nail on the head when It came to my unhappiness. I’m in Awe. I love this and I love you. Thank you for being a blessing to others. I have definitely received this message here today. Amen
Wow, what a testimony, Yamalie! God got your attention brilliantly ? He’ll always honor those who seek Him (Proverbs 8:17), and He’s honoring your sincere searching now. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Thank you !!!! I’m really trying to learn Gods w voice because I’m very adamant about a certain decision but I don’t know if God agrees with it.
This can be a real struggle, Sam, being sure that the decision you’re making is what God wants for you. One way to help you settle this is to ask yourself if the decision is in line with God’s word. If it goes against His word then it’s not what He wants you to do. Sometimes, though, it’s not so clear-cut. In that case, keep praying for clarity but also make a move in the direction of the decision you’ve made. Ask God to open the way for you if this is His will, and to shut the way if it isn’t. And be willing to let go and go in a different direction if that’s the way He moves. I hope this helps as you try to make sure you’re giving God your attention.
Thank you so much! I had a encounter with God and the Lord with a audible voice. Lead my feet and took me where I needed to go to hear the message that I was ignoring. I feel free now. I feel no fear or shame when giving glory to God- even around strangers. I’m finding my brother and sisters now because of it. My eyes have been open. I still struggle everyday but I will never waiver in my faith to the almighty. Years of searching for truth and I was delivered to it. Amen.
Amen! I’m so happy you found the confidence and courage to see and heed the signs that God’s been showing you.
I have felt God’s powerful presence and healing in my life. He has brought me thru so many times of tough challenges. Since my healing i vowed to pray for others who i hear are sick and i have heard answers of their healings. So i know God is listening to me. But somehow even though i pray and attend Mass 3 or 4 times a week and read scripture everyday i am feeling a sense of quietness. Maybe cuz i am not in trouble or need anything? Not sure and i do know the presence will appear again. I have had many experiences and alerts from the Lord in dreams that have come true for me and others . All of my sickness and healings i felt his presence with me . Not sure but i do not feel the same as when i feel his presence ever so strongly . I know hes there he is just quiet
Your testimony is inspiring, Linda. Yes, we have seasons where it seems like there’s lots of activity from God’s end when He’s trying to get your attention. Then there are seasons of quiet. But God never changes and even in the quiet, He speaks. In that quiet time, you can hear Him through His word, which is always useful and profitable (2 Timothy 3:16).
I’ve learned that when I can’t hear him or feel his presence to rely on the word of God. The Bible is his way of talking to us when we can’t seem to tap into the spirit, he’s there; he will never leave us or forsake us. ????God bless.
Yes! God’s word is unchanging, just like He is–the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He always speaks to us, and a primary way He does that is through His word.
What do we do when God come to us in a dream about something that is going to cause hurt and we don’t understand the dream and it happens and cause us to fall God
It’s often difficult to follow God’s will, and when we don’t do it. But God is always faithful to forgive us if we confess our sin and ask for His forgiveness. Do that–talk to Him about what feels like your failure and ask for His forgiveness. Then receive His forgiveness and release your pain. Then the next time He tries to get your attention, give it to Him
I would love nothing more than to speak/hear/understand God/Jesus. I have terrible anxiety, and severe trust issues. I am not sure that i have discernment as of yet either. I am not complaining because Im sure there is good reason I have not been given these gifts. My heart is torn and he knows who is in my heart. I would like to know if this is want he wants for me too. I also must know its Him that is talking to me because i hear so many ideas shooting in my head. Some I realize later could not have been him. I am just needing a lil certainty on some things. I feel that would help me a lil to know how/where/with whom I can begin again. So I hope to find these answers soon. I have been extremely troubled for the past year, but I feel my faith has maintained and got stronger even when i am frustrated and say i doubt him or throw a tantrum. I never meant it, I always keep my faith. Its hard when you want to be around Him so bad and cannot get close to him or find Him.
But as I said, I always keep my faith.
Good news: God doesn’t move! He’s not trying to elude or evade you. He’s always right there, ready to meet you where you’re at, and He promises that you’ll find Him when you seek Him with all your heart. If you pray for Him to help any unbelief standing in your way (like the father did in Mark 9:24), He’ll honor that.
My son died July 5 ,2021 and my life forever changed. I don’t understand why but need to know is God punishing me? My son was only 13 his birthday was on the 25 of July. I looked for answers I can’t seem to find. I don’t want God to be angry or disappointed with me. Before he died I started back listening to Gospel music and we talked about going back to church. Well since his death I haven’t been back to church. But been listening to gospel music and trying to seek God. But have not been very successful.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Shirley. One painful part of living in a fallen world is the tragedy that comes along with it. God isn’t angry or disappointed with you in the middle of your pain, my darling. He loves you through this difficult time just as He loves you when all is going well. He’s not going anywhere and He’s right there waiting for you when you’re ready to seek Him ❤️
I received this message today and I know I was meant to receive it. I decided to do a solo walkabout and get closer to Jesus, I am 4 states away from home and going to the ark encounter and creation museum this week. This morning I reached for my dad’s dogtags I wear that had a Jesus charm on it, the charm was missing, I was devistated. Then I felt this peace that I am here to find HIM. HE is in control
Yes, He is!
I was in a serious accident Aug 29, 2021. It was so severe that I had a broken sternum and bruising of my abdominal wall. I was in so much pain and I still am as it hasn’t even been a week. But I was released from the hospital the same day, thank God. But now I’m stuck with the dilemma of what this all means? Sadly, this isn’t the first time God has gotten my attention, and I feel back then I straighten up and was on the righteous path, but idk along the way, I veered off, and now this happens and I’m scared, but open to listen. Just ashamed to go to Him because I know He’s upset with me.
God loves you, Charme. He showers you with His grace and love. You should check out this post. God isn’t mad at you, and you should understand why that’s true.
I had a dream of possible rejection from God and I was wondering it is because I have lived in a loveless marriage for almost 56 years, because of him I have not been able to have the relationship with my grandchildren that I wanted, he insults me in front of everyone, my adult children beg me to leave him but I take my vows serious. My father died when I was 2 and had no way of knowing how a husband should treat his wife. I just want someone to love me which my children do but my husband either is insecure and blames me for everything. God has been good to me I am a Christian and my husband isn’t. What should I do.
No one can tell you what to do, Mary. But you can look at the one and only life that God has given you and ask yourself if you want to keep choosing it. If you like your reasons for continuing to make your current decisions, then stick with them. But if you don’t like your reasons (like fear), then it may be time to make some new decisions.
I appreciate this article. I am trying to understand if God wants me to fight to keep my marriage or accept that my husband doesn’t want it anymore. I know we both need growth and healing. I made immature mistakes and he did too but they all seem so small at this point. I miss my friend. I thought that we could get past anything and grow together, but I want God’s will to be done. I was so scared to start praying for God’s will to be done because I was thinking he might say no to my family. I still keep praying he will save my family. But give me the strength and peace I need if this isn’t possible. It gets so hard sometimes, I feel I don’t know my purpose anymore. This is my first and I thought only marriage, I don’t want to give up. I don’t want anyone else. But now I am open to hearing his will for us, and now am waiting for the signs, his voice, and his answer.
This is a tough situation, Jayde. Following God’s will isn’t always easy (in fact, it rarely is!) but it’s always the best thing to do. Even if it doesn’t feel like it immediately, it’s always so in the long run.
I am totally with you on this one! I am going through a similar and rough patch at this point, but it’s solely something that I’m doing. I’ve been married for 17 years to my husband and we have five children. God give me strength and faith! I really need it at this time!
I have this burning feeling of serving the lord through worshipping. Well I do this alone. But I keep getting a feeling that I should share this with people. More like being a worshipper at church. Knowing my sins I can’t do that. My story is the same as yours, ‘living with a man out of marriage’. This can be so hard to change. How did you leave that situation? I’m going through all the signs? people envy my life but I’m not happy. Coming across this also counts as a sign for me. Hopefully one day all this will be some sort of testimony.
Hopefully, it will be <3 Hopefully, one day what God wants for you will be at the very top of your must-do list and what others want for you will take a back seat. Hang in there!
I’m turning 34 years soon.. I don’t know what I’m doing with my life.. I’m in a new country(USA) no documents.my degree doesn’t hold here. No husband,no children.the little money I manage to get through little job goes back to bills and family.. desperately wants to hear God,to show me my next step,to tell me my purpose and what to do.
Nadia, you may find this free email course about finding your God-given purpose helpful! Also, asking God to show you the 1 next best step to take. He rarely shows you the whole route to your purpose and dreams in one go!
I am shook by your post. It hit! Every word! I haven’t felt this overwhelmed by a word in a very long time as a believer. Wanted to pray for you! As you continue to bless me and so many others with these holy spirit gems, I ask that God continue to pour down grace, prosperity, and favor over your life! Thank you for writing this and allowing God to use you to set so many in bondage free!!
Thanks so much for your prayers, Catherine. And I’m happy the post helped you.
This is beautiful. The Holy spirit is all over me right now❤
Thanks so much! <3
Up early, Holy Spirit Speaking.. Thank You.. Rhema Word Article … Be Blessed..
You’re welcome, Ertha. And thank you.
I am here God waiting ….. Because Lord I hear ur call Amen
What would you say is the response to make when God repeatedly says, “ Come to me.” Because I do not know how.
I’d go to Him, Pamela.
This is for sure the trueth. For i didnt have it all. It was constant struggle. I have reached a point where i say, please God have your way and let me live. Its hard for me. I did my best in all but there was nothing to show. I kind of felt if God was in what i was doing i would have thrived. I kind of figured. Maybe he doesnt want me to travel that path. So i have surrendered everything. Am here waiting for him to tell me his way that i should follow. Am willing to go where he leads.
I’ve found that when you truly submit your heart and will to Him, He always honors that. All you have to do is keep your eyes open for Him speaking into your life. You’ve got this!
Hello Kris! I appreciated this article, and especially your wise, sweet, and continuous replies. I think God is using you in many ways and in many lives!
My question to you is this: I have a dream to make films that honor God. It is unrealistic, but I can’t stop thinking about it. How can I tell if it’s my flesh wanting this, or God asking me to do something so big? I don’t know how to tell the difference, since I know that “the heart is deceitful above all things”.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Cecilee! Sometimes, you can’t be 100% positive that the desire you feel to go after a dream is from God. In that case, you may need to step out in faith and trust that if it’s for you, God will always show you the one next best step to take, and that He won’t let it pass you. The secret is to go hard after it but hold it loosely so that if you need to let it go, you can.
I just see this today, as I was searching for answers to a dream I have a few months ago. I was in a boat , on a very calm river. It was very peaceful and I felt happy and content. As I was floating along I noticed huge mountains on the left of me, and the mountains had many large eyes on them, just watching me float by. A friend of mine today thinks it’s a blessing from God, and told me to read revelations 4:7-8 . What do you think it means ? Thank you in advance
I don’t do dream interpretation, Mandy. But I believe if you pray and ask God to reveal the meaning to you–if there is one–and if you get quiet and listen, He’ll show you what you need to know.
Thank you so much for the soul lifting message, it really Revives and inspiring .More insight in Jesus Mighty name .
You’re very welcome! 🙂
It’s hard for me to talk to God and I think he isn’t happy with me neither I don’t repent like I should or read my Bible I don’t like reading anything but I know I been saved I felt his presence but it’s hard to talk to him I just feel awkward like I feel like I’m talking to my my self cause Id like to talk to him as if he is a person it’s hard to explain it and when I got saved I was like idk what to say and he gave me the words to say he knew I was struggling
Luke, you’re trying to diminish God to human size. And you’re projecting your feelings onto Him. When your desire to know Him more starts to outweigh your dislike of reading and you get into His word, you’ll learn that He loves you no matter what, hears you always, and never moves. I hope you get to that point soon.