Bethany Hicks

As we embrace the dawn of the new year, a sense of anticipation fills the air. The arrival of a fresh year often ignites a desire within us to set new goals, shed old habits, and have a fresh start. There’s something about a new year that presents itself like a clean slate ready to be filled in with new possibilities.

Along with the new year, come numerous prophetic predictions about what's to come in the next 365 days. If you've spent time on social media, you've probably seen various "what God is saying in 2024" prophecies from trusted sources as well as from self-appointed internet “prophets.”

Let me be clear: I value the gift of prophecy and have dedicated my life as a prophet to serving the Body of Christ. I wholeheartedly believe that the Lord speaks to us in fresh thoughts and perspectives, especially at the start of a new year.

However, with the recent flood of 2024 prophecies--some conflicting with one another--how can you discern which prophecies are from God and how do you know which ones are meant for you?

Here are some simple guidelines that are helping me navigate the multitude of 2024 prophecies:

1. Recognize that not every 2024 prophecy is meant for you.
Too often, we assume that every 2024 prophetic word we come across is meant for us, or perhaps we simply choose to align ourselves with words that personally appeal to us. Scripture instructs us, "Do not despise prophecies. Test all things. Hold fast to what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21) This implies a two-fold responsibility. First, it means you have the responsibility to carefully evaluate each prophecy. The burden of absolute accuracy no longer solely rests on the giver of the prophecy as it did in the Old Covenant. Instead, whenever someone reads a prophetic word, the weight is on them as the receiver to discern if it carries God’s voice or not. Second, in the wording “hold fast to what is good,” this passage essentially tells us that not every prophecy applies to you. While a 2024 prophecy might resonate with others, it may not necessarily be meant for you to embrace.

2. Listen for God’s future reflected in 2024 prophecies.

Prophecy is not just about the future, it’s about God’s future. Many prophecies today focus on a first-heaven future, which pertains to human desires and plans. Others dwell on a second-heaven future, revealing the enemy's schemes and intentions. Seek prophecies that originate in God’s heart and which align with God's future. Even in challenging times of financial uncertainty, raging wars, and an election year with strongly opposing political opinions, remember that God's plans are superior and better than we can imagine. 

3. Evaluate the source of the 2024 prophecy.

As believers, we are filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit as He grants us the ability and responsibility to discern His voice. John the Beloved exhorts us "not to believe every spirit but to test the spirits to see whether they are from God." (1 John 4) We must assess the spirit behind the words. One practical approach on how to do this is to consider the emotional residue left by a 2024 prophecy. Does it instill fear or anxiety? Does it provoke political or divisive reactions? God's words align with His character and nature, consistently producing fruits of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, and patience. Any prophecy lacking these qualities should be approached with caution. 

4. Understand that your agreement attracts Heaven.
Once you've tested a 2024 prophecy and confirmed it as God's word for your season, come into agreement with it. This involves offering your heartfelt "Amen" or "Let it be so, Lord!" We often encounter genuine prophetic words on social media yet give them a quick thumbs-up emoji and move on without truly honoring their significance. If you want to begin to see God's promises fulfilled in 2024, start by honoring the word and declaring your agreement with it in your heart and then speaking it out. Declare aloud, “Lord, I agree with who You say I am. I align with Your plans for my life!” Show that you really believe it. This can help you align your thoughts and actions with God's plan, and your agreement attracts Heaven's response.

As we step into 2024, may these guidelines serve as a compass to help you discern and embrace the prophetic voices that resonate with God's divine purpose for your life in this new year. Remember, the future holds endless possibilities when grounded in God's truth and love.