Listening to God's VoiceSample

Discerning God’s Voice

John warns us, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1) John underscores the vital importance of spiritual discernment when it comes to hearing and heeding what we believe to be God’s voice. In a world saturated with various influences and claims of truth, we are called to be discerning.

The analogy of “testing the spirits” suggests a careful examination, much like a goldsmith who tests the purity of the metal. We are not to blindly accept every message that comes our way, even if it sounds spiritual or well-intentioned. John’s warning about false prophets highlights the reality that not every voice we hear is truly from God. It’s crucial to exercise spiritual discernment—this involves checking what we have received with the Scripture and praying for discernment.

Any message that we believe is from God must align with the teachings and the principles in the Bible. Does it point us to Jesus Christ? Does it promote love, truth, and righteousness? Does it bear the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? (Galatians 5:22-23) God’s voice will always align with His truth and His character.

Furthermore, the wisdom of the community of believers plays a crucial role in discernment. Seeking counsel from mature, trusted Christians can provide valuable perspective and help us identify potential blind spots. The Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers, also provides an inner witness and conviction that aligns with God’s truth.

Discerning God’s voice is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. It requires humility, a willingness to be wrong, and a commitment to seeking God's truth above all else. It involves prayerful consideration, studying the Scripture, and engaging with the body of Christ. By diligently testing the spirits, we guard ourselves against deception in order to obey the true voice of our Shepherd.

Reflection

How do we ensure that we are truly hearing God’s voice and not our own desires or the influence of others? What steps can we take to test what we believe we are hearing from God? It’s important to be open to God’s voice and to discern His voice.

Prayer

Father God, grant me wisdom and discernment to recognize your true voice. Help me to test every prompting and thought against the truth of your Word and the counsel of godly people. May I grow in my ability to hear you clearly and follow you faithfully. Amen.