Knowing how to recognize and trust inner guidance is a process of attunement.
When we are inwardly attuned to God’s grace, His guidance can come. We need to open the door to allow the divine to flow through.
Part of receiving inner guidance is to first ask the appropriate question. Phrase it in a clear way in the heart, then offer it up to the spiritual eye. You can trust the inner guidance you receive, when there is a calm feeling.
It can be beneficial to ask teachers and friends you trust to make the issue more clear in your mind.
Kriyananda talks about ways in which guidance can come, and how to discern the difference between true guidance and personal projection. He has suggestions how to proceed if guidance does not seem to come. Devotion can be helpful at those times.