Do you know the voice of God?

Would you recognize it if He were speaking truth into your life? Or could you confuse your emotions… your desires… or even the voice of the enemy for His?

Jesus said His sheep know His voice.

That’s a wonderful promise—but how does that actually work? How do believers grow in spiritual discernment? And why do some people seem to recognize truth while others are easily deceived?

Today, we’re going to look at Jesus as the Good Shepherd and discover a surprising connection between knowing God’s voice, following Him, and learning to recognize voices that are not His.

Welcome to “God’s Word Day by Day,” where I blog through the Bible in a Year. I hope you’ll join me every day. If you’re not already signed up, you can do it here or subscribe and watch on YouTube.

Today’s Readings:

1 Kings 3 & 4
Psalm 68.15-20
Proverbs 17.10-12
John 10.1-23

Do You Know the Voice of God?

John 10.1-23:

Knowing & Following

Here in chapter 10, in one of His seven “I am” statements, Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd” (v. 11).  But Jesus didn’t just make that claim. He explained the proof and the benefits.

The Proof

Jesus compared a true shepherd with a mere hired hand. He said a shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, but a hired hand, someone who isn’t truly invested, runs off when trouble comes.  Five times in this passage, He said He lays down His life for His sheep (vv. 11, 15, 17, 18). He was primarily speaking of the cross where He would lay down His life for our eternal salvation. But, if all that wasn’t enough, as the Good Shepherd, He also looks out for us when Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy (v. 10).

The Benefits

So, what are the benefits? The benefits are salvation, security, and His loving care (v. 9). He promises us an abundant life, not just in heaven, but here and now (v. 10).

But that abundance is not what some claim. That is riches and a problem-free life. In fact, it’s something much better. It’s kingdom living, including peace, joy, and confidence in His care. It’s the assurance of our salvation. It also means that we know Him and He knows us (vv. 4-8, 14, 14). We have a relationship with the Creator of the universe, the Savior of our souls.

Part of that “knowing” is recognizing His voice. In verse 4, He said:

And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

As we follow Christ, by reading His Word and obeying His commandments, we grow in our ability to “know His voice” and, by contrast, recognize the voice of a stranger (Satan, v. 5). We become more and more discerning about the truth and recognize the enemy’s lies.

Knowing the Bible isn’t enough, though; we must also “follow” the truth that we know. Knowledge without doing doesn’t bring a deeper knowing; it brings delusion (Jas. 1.22).

Is That You, God?

So, how can we know if we are hearing from God? Go to the Bible. What does it say about your situation or potential decision in His Word? God will not lead us contrary to His written Word (Tit. 1.2).

If we are one of His, we can know His voice, but the more time we spend reading and meditating on His Truth, the more clearly we will know and the more we will recognize a voice that is not His.

God will sometimes speak truth to us through sermons and other teachings, through our consciences, through people, and even through circumstances, as well. But if it is Him, it will never contradict His written Word.

Today’s Other Readings:

1 Kings 3 & 4:

Do You Need Wisdom?

But even though we are His sheep and we know His voice, not everything is addressed specifically in Scripture. Should I buy this car or that one? Take that job or another? While there can be specific biblical commands involved in these decisions, sometimes they are matters of wisdom.

In chapter 3, God appears to Solomon in a dream and gives him a blank check to request anything he wants. Instead of wealth, fame, or any material blessing, Solomon asks for wisdom to rule the kingdom.

God still invites us to ask for wisdom and gives it freely to those who do.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him (Jas. 1.5).

Just another benefit of belonging to Him.

Psalm 68.15-20:

Loaded with Blessings

Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah (v. 19).

Even when we encounter tests and trials, they are always mixed with God’s blessings if we will but look for them.

Proverbs 17.10-12:

How the Wise Respond to Correction

Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool (v. 10).

When a wise man is rebuked, he takes it to heart (it goes deep) and he responds quickly, unlike the fool who has to be beaten over and over before he gets it.

What About You? Questions to Ponder or Journal:

Do you remember to ask God for His wisdom when you’re faced with decisions?

Do you know God’s voice, or do you ever wonder if it’s the devil trying to get you off track?

Is there some area where you have refused to follow Him? Some area where you are a hearer and not a doer of the Word? If so, repent, ask God to forgive you, and step out in obedience.

Coming Up:

In the coming days, we’ll talk about whether we can lose our salvation, how fools don’t even have a desire for wisdom, co-signing loans, and the dangers wealth and education can pose.

I hope you’ll join us, and if this post spoke to you, please share it on your favorite social media platform.

Blessings as you grow in Christ,
Donna ♥

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