discerning the voices.
Conversations with people about Jesus are my favorite! I recall a time that I was having a conversation with my friend about following Jesus. We were specifically talking about an encounter I recently had with the Lord and I shared with her what I heard Him saying to me. I think this left her puzzled, as she went on to tell me how it was difficult for her to hear God and know it was actually Him.
I think we all struggle with this. Sometimes we think that God’s voice should be the most distinct or loudest thought that comes to our head. This may well be true, however, we may not always hear from God through an actual voice or thought in our head. There are other ways God chooses to speak to us.
I want to share with you some things I have found to help me distinguish the voice of God. I have learned that God is not always the loudest in the crowd. What do I mean by that? When I was contemplating the decision of whether or not to homeschool, I prayed- A LOT! I sat on God's word daily and the one thought that continued to pop in my head was a loud “No!” However, in the very back of my mind was a subtle, yet comforting whisper saying “Yes!”
I struggled greatly with these two very conflicting thoughts. Soooo…. being the curious-minded and google-loving person that I am, I researched “how to discern God’s voice and Satan’s voice.” That search led me to this chart….
GOD'S VOICE SATAN’S VOICE
Stills you Rushes you
Leads you Pushes you
Reassures you Worries you
Enlightens you Frightens you
Encourages you Discourages you
Comforts you Confuses you
Calms you Obsesses you
Convicts you Condemns you
When I saw this chart I went back to the yes and no in my head, dissecting them and praying that God would help me clearly understand which thought was His and which thought was Satan’s. Over time, I realized that the “No” I was hearing made me feel uneasy and anxious, but the “Yes” was calming and it stirred my heart. I was still nervous about the change, but the nervousness was met with excitement and anticipation about what God’s plan was for me. I’m so glad I followed the “Yes!” I know now that this was not only God speaking to me- it was His plan for me all along!
The best way to hear God’s voice is to seek His word and know all about Him! Then, pray, pray, AND pray a lot over His will for your life. If you know Him well and have a personal relationship with Him, it is easier to discern his plans for you. I encourage you to use this chart to help guide you. Dissect the voice(s): Does it still you? Does it lead and reassure you? Does it move your soul?
You may not always hear God in your head. Sometimes He speaks to us through dreams or songs. Sometimes He uses others to help guide us and influence us. It is different for everyone and every situation, but make no mistake…. God is a Way Maker! Seek Him through His word and prayer. Get to know Him and He will gladly reveal His plan for you- with no uncertainty!
