Hearing Voices?

Voices….they’re everywhere! Some voices suggest quietly, some beckon us with direction, and some  even demand as they call out to us. Whether we realize it or not, we are all listening to one  voice or another.   Do these voices sound familiar?

• The world’s voice says:  “Get all you can,” and,  “It’s okay as long as no one gets hurt.”  It tempts us with lies:  “You need this look, this education, this amount of money, to have approval,”  and, “There is no absolute  truth.”   
• The Inner Voice says:  “I’m not good enough the way I am,” or, “No one will love me if they really know me.”  Based on past mistakes, it can bring fear: “I’m afraid to try  because I might fail again.”

The voices we hear around us, and even inside ourselves, are varied. Some are based on our past experiences, leaving a  mark on our lives.  Some are based on the opinions of others. Wherever they come from, we must decide which voices we will heed–the choice is ours.

There is one other voice to consider. The voice of God beckons us, but He will not force His will on us. The Bible says that His is often a “still, small voice.” Yet, once we recognize His Voice, we know within ourselves  that we should follow: “The Spirit is the one who gives life; human nature is of no help! The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life” (John 6:63). 

Trouble will surely follow when we listen too closely to the voices around us, or believe too completely in the voices inside ourselves. We must test every voice  against the Word of God. When we discern a lie, we must replace it with the truth found in the Bible in order to be truly free.

Have you considered whether  the voices you’re listening to are true?  What steps can you take to assure that you listen to and obey the voice of God?

**New English Version Bible