Voices

So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority,

but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.” John 16:13

From the world, and nature, and Almighty God,
Many voices are calling out.
We must discern every voice we hear,
Be it a whisper or a shout.

The world cries out to go your own way,
Do whatever pleases you.
Yet consequences do more harm than good,
So, we repent and start anew.

Nature speaks in so many ways,
If we but stop and listen:
The roar of an ocean or the song of a bird-
Such beautiful sounds to take in.

And then there is the voice of our Lord,
But how do we know when it's Him?
His guidance is always true and righteous,
Just have a willing heart to hear Him.

Sometimes the voices of people are helpful,
And can give us sound counsel.
And nature can calm our weary souls
As the Creator's vessel. 

Yes, many voices are calling out to us,
Yet we must have a discerning ear.
Take each voice to the word of God,
He'll make it very clear.

I recently spent a few days studying scriptures on God’s direction. It takes practice to have a discerning ear. There are so many voices coming at us throughout the day. In general: social media, news, music, books and magazines to name a few. Specifically: family members, friends, pastors, and colleagues. Most of the time we can control the voices we’re listening to, but do we listen with a discerning ear? It reminds me of this phrase in a children’s song, “Oh be careful, little ears, what you hear.” (Psalm 119:6 Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.) Not everything we hear is edifying. Sometimes it’s neutral, but sometimes it can lead us astray.

The world is full of voices. With the internet readily available in the palm of our hands, we can get information 24-7. My recent news feed suggested websites for the latest diet, financial advice, must-have gadgets, and best vacation spots just to name a few. They appear innocuous, and most of the time they are. But you can easily be misled by a simple click of the button. There’ve been times I’ve clicked on something that wasn’t what it appeared to be. Other times I’m searching for something that leads me to something else that leads to another thing and so on. Before I know it, an hour is gone and I’m still back where I started! No harm done, but I didn’t gain anything either. The “voices” aren’t always trustworthy. Sometimes it does lead you to places you don’t want to go. If you’re not armored up, you could get tripped up. (Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.)

Nature can speak to us. I love going to the beach and listening to the waves. I enjoy the chatter of birds on a morning walk. The pitter-patter of rain on a rooftop is relaxing. I believe God uses nature to speak to us. But it’s the voice of God through nature that is speaking. I used to go up to the Sierra’s for a retreat every summer. There was a favorite spot I’d sit at where you could see the mountaintop through a break in the trees. With the wind blowing through the trees, I’d think, “Now I can hear God speak.” as the verse Psalm 121:1,2 would run through my mind: I lift my eyes to the mountains-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. It occurred to me one year, that the mountain wasn’t the focus in this verse. It was the Creator who made the mountain. I didn’t need the mountains to hear God’s voice, I just needed a quieted spirit. God was using the mountains He created as a vessel to speak to me. I realized I could go to that place any time in my mind and have a mini-retreat with Him! That isn’t to say that retreats aren’t helpful. Jesus retreated often. My point is that I don’t always need to go to the mountains to have a mountaintop experience. (John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.”) Remember God is available any time anywhere to guide and direct you.

So, whether you’re seeking the advice from someone or in quiet time with God, pray for ears to hear. Oftentimes, scriptures will come to mind while in conversation affirming or redirecting you. If not, take what you hear to the Word of God to see if the scriptures agree. (Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.) God will direct your path when you center yourself on Him. Then you will know His perfect will for you. (Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.)

Lord, thank you for Your Word that guides us along the way. Give me a discerning mind so that I do not stray from it. Help me to have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a willing spirit to receive what You have for me today. Amen