“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” Hebrews 3:7
How do we hear God’s voice? That is a big question. Many would answer from a place of emotion or subconscious desire and proclaim that God told them to do this or that; to move to Arizona, to take the job offer, to transfer to a different school or paint their living room orange. I don’t want to make light of this, but very often people say that God is speaking when in fact, it may be their own inclinations that are doing the talking. Not to say that the move isn’t valid, or the job offer a good opportunity like transferring to a different school. Maybe you will enjoy life more if you lived in an orange room. But to say God told you to do so is a speculative and even dangerous position to take.
God has not promised or even encouraged us to listen to any voice outside of His Holy Word. To do so will always bring speculation as to whether God is really speaking or whether it is our own inner voice or desires that are doing the talking. I’m not so sure God cares whether you paint a room orange or find another school more to your liking. He leaves the majority of life decisions to our own free will. He is much more concerned about the eternal plan and the salvation of our souls. We should always pray on decisions for life, but also use our God-given reason and know that our ultimate destiny lies in His hands.
God has promised to speak through His Word. The truths that correspond to His teachings are trustworthy and sure. No need to speculate beyond the Big Picture plan He has already revealed and to dedicate ourselves to reading and inwardly digesting His Word of Life. No matter what this life may bring, we have the certainty of true, abundant and eternal life. And this is a truth we can count on forever as the Spirit speaks the Word of God into us!
Know that you are loved!
Peace and Joy,
Pastor Kilian