The Voice

I am a fan of the television show, The Voice. The judges’ backs are turned to the singer as they belt out a hearty song. The judges listen and they turn their chair if the singer’s voice is worthy of the competition.

There was one voice that got may attention. It was my mama’s when she would call me indoors for dinner. Then, when I became a mama, it was my baby’s voice that I heard in the middle of the night. Back then, we didn’t have monitors, but I heard my baby loud and clear.

Now the voice that I am determined to recognize the most is my Heavenly Father’s voice. “My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

We say: “Is that God talking to me or is it the devil trying to get me off course?” Sometimes we hear both voices — the voices in our heads or other people’s voices. So, because we may hear different competing voices, it is incumbent for us to recognize the difference between God’s voice and the enemy’s voice.

Here are three helpful ways:
1. Know the character of God and His ways,
2. Know the character of Satan and his ways,
3. Discern how it makes us feel in the moment.

When we understand the character, ways, and nature of God AND of Satan, then we can easily distinguish the ways and manner they will speak and the kinds of things they would or wouldn’t say.

We learn about the character of God just as we can learn about the character of anyone else we know. By spending time with God and His Word, we learn about His nature by the things He has done. We can read through the lens of “What does this tell me about God and His character?”

When we really know God and His characteristics, we can compare them to the voice that we hear and see if it aligns. God is peaceful. Does the voice I hear give me peace? God is a comforter. Does this voice bring me comfort? God is merciful. Does this voice offer mercy?

Once we learn and become familiar with God’s ways, we can start to say things like, “That sounds like God.” OR… “This doesn’t sound like something God would say. This voice isn’t God’s voice.”

The more we know about God’s character, the more we will know about the enemy of our souls’ character. It is the opposite of God’s character. For example, God is kind. Satan is mean. God is merciful. Satan is condemning. God gives clarity and direction. Satan brings confusion.

Let’s see what God’s Word says:
Confused? “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace…” 1 Corinthians 14:33

Afraid? “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Anxious? “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Lacking peace? “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. BE thankful.” Colossians 3:15

God’s voice becomes more familiar as we grow in relationship with Him. Let’s listen for THE VOICE! We don’t even have to turn our chair to hear it. We KNOW that voice because we are His sheep!