How Do I Know It’s God? Catholic Discernment, Consolation, and Desolation Explained

TF S03 | E18| In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to a thoughtful question from Grade 9–10 students at Miller High School: How can I know when God is talking to me?

Drawing on the spiritual wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the conversation explores Christian discernment through self-awareness, honesty, and paying attention to the movements of the heart over time. They explain the difference between spiritual consolation and desolation, clarifying that these are not simply good or bad feelings, but experiences related to freedom, clarity, hope, and closeness to God.

The episode offers practical guidance on creating space to hear God’s voice through silence, prayer, spiritual reading, Mass, confession, adoration, and the daily Examen, while cautioning against making major decisions during times of desolation. Listeners are encouraged to trust that God’s voice often sounds like truth spoken within, to remain grounded in Church teaching, and to grow patiently in freedom and faith as God continues to shape their spiritual lives.

00:19 Podcast Welcome

03:22 Question God Speaking

03:46 Ignatius Discernment Basics

05:05 Silence and Self Awareness

05:58 Ignatius Story and Boredom

08:21 Consolation vs Dopamine Crash

10:40 Examen and Honest Reflection

12:02 True Voice vs False Voice

15:59 Church and Moral Guardrails

18:31 Crime and Punishment Example

20:52 Everyday Choices and Consolation

21:45 Fruits Of The Spirit

22:32 Consolation Versus Desolation

23:53 Do Not Decide Desolate

24:35 Dad Story And Space

27:58 Lies Reduce Your Options

29:03 Temporary States And Clarity

31:44 Many Good Choices

33:42 Discernment In Sacraments

36:13 Garden Conditions For Growth

38:05 God Changes Our Minds

38:44 Closing Thanks And Blessing