Listen Up! Only One of These Four Voices Is God's

In the realm of spirituality, amidst the cacophony of voices vying for our attention, one voice stands above the rest - the voice of God. Throughout history, humanity has been exposed to a multitude of voices, from our inner thoughts to external influences. However, the true challenge lies not in hearing these voices, but in discerning which voice to heed, obey, and act upon.

The Garden of Voices

Let's journey back to the beginning, to the sacred garden where the story of humanity's relationship with God unfolded. In this pristine setting, we encounter four distinct voices, each with its unique significance.

1. Our Own Voice: The inner dialogue that shapes our thoughts and decisions.
2. Adam and Eve: The voices of the first man and woman, representing human influence and temptation.
3. God's Voice: The divine communication from our Creator, addressing both Adam and Eve and the serpent.
4. The Devil's Voice: The serpent's cunning and deceptive whispers, luring humanity away from God's truth.

In the midst of these voices, God's voice remains constant, offering guidance, wisdom, and love. The Bible assures us that God still speaks to us today, just as He did in the Garden of Eden.

The Power of God's Word

In the book of Hebrews (Hebrews 3:7-9), we are reminded of the Holy Spirit's declaration that God's voice continues to resonate in our lives. Jesus Himself affirms the importance of God's voice, stating that humanity does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). The emphasis here is not merely on words that have proceeded but on words that proceed from God - a clear indication that God's voice is ever-present.

Recognizing the Shepherd's Voice

Just as sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd, believers can discern God's voice among the clamor of competing influences. Our relationship with God enables us to distinguish His voice from the rest. Think about your pet; it recognizes your voice, certain words, and commands. Similarly, we can tune our spiritual ears to hear and respond to God.

Whose Voice Will You Obey?

The key to a thriving spiritual life lies not in hearing multiple voices but in obeying the right one. Deuteronomy 28 outlines a principle: blessings flow when we obey God's voice and follow His commands, while disobedience leads to curses. The crucial point to note is that God blesses us for obeying His voice, not merely for hearing it.

Adam heard the voice of the serpent in the garden, and Jesus heard the voice of the devil in the wilderness. Their destinies were shaped not by the voices they heard but by the voices they obeyed.

Knowing God's Voice

Before we can act upon God's voice, we must first know and distinguish it. Here are some practical guidelines to help you recognize God's voice in your life:

1. Alignment with Scripture: God's voice always aligns with His Word, while other voices may contradict it. The Bible serves as a reliable reference point.
2. Divine in Nature: God's voice reflects His divine nature, while other voices often stem from human experiences, traumas, or even demonic influences.
3. Consistency: God's voice maintains a consistent message, unlike the fluctuating nature of human voices and the enemy's deceptive tactics.
4. According to God's Will: God's voice is always in harmony with His will, while other voices may reflect personal desires or the devil's schemes.
5. Requires Faith: Hearing God's voice demands faith, a stark contrast to other voices that may manipulate emotions or deceive without requiring faith.
6. Supernatural Backing: God's voice comes with divine support and providence, unlike other voices that lack supernatural backing.
7. A Still Small Voice: God's voice often speaks in a gentle, still, small voice, which requires attentiveness and receptivity on our part.

Discerning the Divine from the Deceptive

To sharpen your discernment between God's voice and other influences, consider the following distinctions:

• God's Voice Calms; Satan's Voice Obsesses
• God's Voice Comforts; Satan's Voice Worries
• God's Voice Convicts; Satan's Voice Condemns
• God's Voice Encourages; Satan's Voice Discourages
• God's Voice Enlightens; Satan's Voice Confuses
• God's Voice Leads; Satan's Voice Pushes
• God's Voice Reassures; Satan's Voice Frightens

The Path to Hearing God's Voice

To enhance your ability to discern and respond to God's voice, follow these steps:

1. Closeness to God: Draw near to God through prayer, worship, and intimacy.
2. Scripture Study: Immerse yourself in God's Word to understand His character and principles.
3. Silence the Noise: Create a quiet space in your life to hear His still, small voice.
4. Obedience: Act on the last instruction you received from God before seeking new guidance.

Conclusion

In a world filled with myriad voices vying for our attention, the ability to discern and heed God's voice is a priceless gift. As born-again Christians, living in the kingdom of God is not just a distant dream but a present reality. Hearing and obeying the voice of our Shepherd is our privilege and responsibility.

As you embark on your journey to discern God's voice, may you find solace in His guidance, comfort in His words, and strength in His presence. The secret to a fulfilled spiritual life lies in not only hearing God's voice but also obeying it. In doing so, you step into the divine destiny and blessings that await those who faithfully follow the voice of their loving Creator.

May your heart be attuned to the gentle whisper of God's voice, leading you to a deeper relationship and a richer spiritual experience.