HEARING HIS VOICE
«My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me» (John 10:27, NLT).
I am trying to hear God’s voice on a daily basis. After praying, I make a pause and quietly try to listen to God’s answer. It is quite frustrating, because my head is full of noise, things to be done and stories to be written. Quieting the internal noise to hear God’s gentle whisper is a mental discipline to which I am not accustomed.
A few days ago, after praying, I stopped to listen. But l did not hear anything. Later, while changing the sheets on my bed, I began worrying about a decision I had to make. Then, I felt God telling me, «Didn’t you say you wanted Me to take care of that?» God reminded me that He would take care of it, that I did not have to worry. Days later, I felt ashamed of how scared I still was about that decision. Then, God whispered, “It is a big decision. I understand how it scares you.» How much tenderness and care! The King of the universe speaks like quite a gentleman. Sadly, we often confuse the voice of the internal critic with the Holy Spirit’s voice. The inner critic is cruel, punitive and destructive. If we are unable to distinguish between those voices, we will be terrified of hearing God. And that is precisely what the enemy wants!
The Bible says all the sheep have the privilege of recognizing the Shepherd’s voice. Voice instructors know that in order to develop a musical ear, the ear must be trained. It is the same with God’s voice: in order to recognize it, we must train our ears and know which sounds are out of tune with His character. God’s voice, even when defying us to change, encourages us. The inner critic manipulates us until we give up; it repeats accusations, fills our minds with constant shouting: You should already know…, You will never accomplish. . . God’s gentle whisper brings hope: it is practical, creative and kind. The critic’s voice makes us worry over things of the past or the future that we cannot control. God’s voice tells us that today’s trouble is enough for today.
If we learn to distinguish the Holy Spirit’s voice, we will receive words of life every day. The same God who created the world with His word, will say, «Let there be light!» and He will flood our lives with light and peace within.
Father, I want to know and love Your voice. Train my ear.
I know that Your words will keep my mind in perfect peace.
#WomensDevotional
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Take From: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2022
«NO FEARS»
BY: VANEZA PISSUTO
Collaborators: Alexandra Pérez & Angelica Cuate.