Discerning God’s Voice
Devotional Reading: John 10:27 FBV
My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Discerning God’s voice is crucial for every believer. Just like a sheep learns to recognize the voice of its shepherd, we must learn to recognize God’s voice in our lives. In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” But how do we discern His voice amidst the noise of our busy lives?
Imagine you’re at a crowded market, with vendors calling out to you from every direction. But then, you hear your mother’s voice calling your name. You immediately recognize it and respond right?. Similarly, as we spend time with God, we become familiar with His voice. We learn to recognize His tone, His language, and His character.
So, how do we tune in to God’s voice? First, we must create space to listen. In a quiet moment, ask God to speak to you. Then, pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and intuition (this primarily how God communicates first). Is there a gentle nudging or a sense of peace? This could be God’s voice. We must also test what we hear against God’s Word, just like a banker verifies a check before cashing it.
Practically, discerning God’s voice involves spending quality time with Him, reading His Word, and seeking guidance from trusted mentors. It also requires patience, trust, and obedience. Remember, God’s voice is not always so loud or dramatic. Sometimes, it’s a gentle whisper, urging us to take a step of faith.
As we learn to discern God’s voice, we become more confident in our decisions and more courageous in our walk with Him. We begin to live a life that is led by the Spirit, rather than our own desires or fears.
Prayer and Confession
Ask God to help you tune in to His voice, that you may follow Him more closely and live a life that brings glory to His name.
Further Reading: Romans 8:14, Hebrews 5:13
