My focus word for 2020 is “listen.” Yesterday as I scrolled through my past blogs, I fell upon this one written three years ago. It was, for me, a jaw-dropping moment. I smiled at how God brought this reading back to me as a gentle reminder to keep my ear tuned to His voice above the cacophony of others vying for my attention. Read on, my friend, and ask Him for discernment to recognize His voice today.
Sometimes I hear voices in my head. I know, I know–that sounds a little strange. But I’ll bet you hear them too.
When I travel by plane, I often feel the Holy Spirit’s nudge to strike up a conversation with the stranger beside me. A voice inside says, “No—don’t bother her. She doesn’t want to talk, and especially not about Jesus. Just be quiet. Mind your own business and leave her alone.”
Occasionally I hear a voice that says, “No matter how hard you try, you’ll never get it right. You may as well give up.”
Sometimes a voice whispers, “It’s okay to share that little piece of inside information about so-and-so, especially if you disguise it as a prayer request on her behalf.”
That voice taunts, accuses, and lies. It causes fear and doubt, criticism, division, and discouragement. I suspect it sounds much like the one Eve heard in the Garden of Eden.
Another voice clamors for my attention. Strangely (or not), it sounds just like me. It tells me the endless things I should do—work harder, do more, do better. And it reminds me of all the things I should have done differently—you know, those things I regret but I cannot change. It imposes upon me burdens I’m not meant to carry.
But then there’s a voice that’s quite opposite. This one speaks words of assurance and comfort. Words teeming with hope and brimming with love. It inspires courage and peace, joy, and unity. Sometimes it speaks necessary words I don’t want to hear because they hurt, and yet they heal.
“Ceasing striving. Do what you can, but leave the outcome to Me.”
“Don’t worry. Trust Me. I know every detail of your situation and I’m working behind-the-scenes in answer to your prayers.”
“I’m the Good Shepherd. Follow Me, and I’ll lead you on the best pathway for your life.”
So many voices clamor for our attention. To which one should we listen? The answer is easy.
On the day Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus, Peter, James, and John on a high mountain, the men heard God speak. He said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to Him” (Mark 9:7).
Listen to Him.
Ultimately Christ’s voice is the one we ought to heed, and for good reason. He is life and truth. He is wisdom and love. He knows the way we should take, the decisions we must make, and the relationships with which we wrestle. He knows our strengths and weaknesses, our dreams, and our desires. He knows everything about us, and He wants to be fully engaged in our everyday lives for our good.
Knowing that, then, may I suggest a simple prayer with which to begin each day? “Father, tune my ears to hear Your voice. Give me the ability to discern it from all others contending for my attention. Speak to Me for I am Your servant, here to accomplish Your purposes in and through me.”
If you choose to do this, I’d love to hear how God answers.
#bgbg2 #GodSpeaks #ListeningtoGod
Dear Grace – So-o need to continually “seek” ,to receive discernment ie.,to realize which voice ,for needed DIRECTION,; yes, seniors too, can reach yet another crossroad. Btw- have replayed part of your (super) DVD : Moving from Fear to Freedom “. Thanks for the reply : ie, my word “Discern”. BLESSINGS. ??
Hi Emma:
Thanks for stopping by here! I suspect that we need discernment to recognize the right voice until the day Jesus calls us home. God will give you the wisdom needed to discern. He loves you so much and will equip you with everything needed to follow Him well.