Hearing GodSample

God Speaks through Trusted Voices

The competition for our attention has never been so intense. The stakes are high. The brightest minds are constantly thinking of ways to hook us because they know our attention is valuable and they can monetize anything we watch, skim, search, read, or listen to. More content is uploaded every day than we’ll ever be able to see.

Once we reduce these voices down to the ones that actually matter, we’re still not done. At this point, we’re left to discern which voices are wise and life-giving and which voices are deceitful and dangerous. How can we tell the difference?

There’s a simple and effective three-word phrase that can help us in these moments: Consider the source.

Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”

By this point, we’ve established we learn to hear and trust God’s voice through His Word. Get ready—this is an area where this WILL be tested! Because most human beings are more led by their feelings than their convictions, well-meaning people will often say things like, “I feel like God wants you to be happy!”

It may sound loving and compassionate, but it’s dangerous. It’s a trap.

This sentiment can be used to excuse everything from choosing not to forgive someone who hurt you, compromising your integrity at work, being unfaithful with your spouse, neglecting to discipline your children, or failing to honor God with your resources.

No matter what anyone else says, these feelings do not line up with God’s Word, so we can be certain this is NOT what He is saying.

Once we’ve decided what we want, our human nature convinces us to search for voices who will affirm our choices instead of leaning into the trusted voices who love us enough to tell us the truth according to God’s Word.

Wise people who hear God don’t start with, “Agree with me.” They always start with, “Remind me of God’s Word.”

It’s important to lean into the trusted voices in our lives who remind us of what Jesus has said.

We become like the people we listen to. We value what they value. We move in the same direction they’re moving because we share common goals and values.

This is why it’s important for us to love everyone while also carefully considering the voices we give influence to. We have to be intentional to tune out foolishness and amplify wisdom in our lives.

You’re not looking for someone who’s perfect—those are impossible to find. But you also don’t treat everyone’s opinion equally.

• Do they know God’s Word?

• Do they put it into practice?

• Can you see their progress and growth?

• Do they encourage you to align your decisions with the authority of God’s Word?

• Do they inspire you to grow in