Can You discern the Voice of God?
Scripture
"Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left." - Isaiah 30;21
Observation
The only way I find myself paying attention to a sound is when I’m focused on it or listening out for it . It’s like having a conversation with a single human in a conference room full of many voices and sounds . I would have to pay attention. “this is the way walk in it “ suggests a dilemma we may face that will require guidance into making the right decision. This also suggests there is another way that isn’t “the right way “. Now bringing this scripture into everyday life, there are many situations we may find ourselves in that requires us to take decisions. This scripture lets us know God is willing to guide us if we allow Him to. He is the way , the truth and life (John 14:6) which means His voice and wise counsel is all that we need. The scripture also says “whenever you turn to the right hand or to the left” meaning we can find ourselves on a path which may be wrong but if only we’re sensitive to the voice of God we will be able to discern and then act accordingly.
Application
For my ears to hear the word of God I need to be expectant . We are aware we live in a world where there’s many voices , the enemy makes counterfeits or tries to steer us from the right path. In our generation for instance there’s so many podcasts, people proclaiming to be the voice of God or preaching sound doctrine but the bible let’s us know there would be a lot of wolves in sheep clothing (Matthew 7:15). If the voice of God is telling us the way in which we should go , it means the voice of the enemy is also doing so. So how then do we discern the voice of God ?
Now supposing you’ve lived with your mum for 20 years, if I blindfolded you and she speaks, you would be able to recognise her voice even without seeing her right ? This is because of the proximity, the relationship , the fellowship, the conversations you’ve had with her etc. Likewise the more time you spend with God , through acts like reading your Bible , praying , worshipping and praising Him, sitting and speaking with Him ( yes literally ) the easier it gets to recognise what He sounds like , His tone etc .
Prayer
Heavenly Father thank You for Your word. Forgive me for not spending enough time with You to get to know You and to build a relationship with You. I pray for discernment oh Lord. Help me to want to spend time with You and to enjoy it . Allow me to experience You in a way I have never before . Lead and direct me in the way that I should go concerning all areas of my life. Help me to discern Your voice . In Jesus Name I pray Amen .