I watched a movie over the weekend, which was Violet starring Olivia Munn. In the movie she plays the part of a woman dealing with negative voices in her mind always tearing her down as a result of growing up with a verbally abusive mother. As someone who grew up in a family with two abusive parents, I could so relate to the character she played.
There are voices competing for our attention, our own inner voices, voices of others, and even the voice of the deceiver Satan. Darkness loves to jump on people to drag them further down.
Jesus talked about his voice and those who follow him. In John 10:3-65we read:
“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”
It is so important to learn to listen to his voice. His voice guides us and gives us life. In John 10:10 Jesus said:
:The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
There are voices that seek to destroy us like a death of a thousand cuts slowly and repeatedly over time. By contrast, Jesus’s motivation is to give us life to the full. He brings healing to our lives. He gives our lives new meaning and purpose.
We can learn to listen to Jesus’s voice by spending time reading the bible, listening to worship music, spending time in prayer, and having friends we trust who will speak truth into our lives. It can also help to meet with a therapist or a pastor to sort things out.
Choosing which voice to pay attention to is a continual battle, but well worth it if we choose the voice of our Savior Jesus who loves us.
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
Jesusluvsall's Blog 
Our listening ability is so important to hone each day. I want to hear the slightest whisper. Then our response-ability (yes, double meaning) is the next step each day as well.
Listening and obeying are interconnected in the bible
I pray I more fully embrace the Overcomer God has placed in me.
Wonderful prayer 🙂
I always have to remind myself when the negative voices want to take precedence of the truth of God’s Word
I have to do the same Brenda. The negative voices always seek to drag us down, but Jesus lifts us up
Spending time with God in His Word does help us to know His voice. We have to make sure we are obeying Him.
listening and obeying are connected in the bible
How are you little sister?
How is your mom?
Thank you for this! Was listening to a sermon the other day and the pastor mentioned how we always seem to hear the devil’s voice so clearly in our thoughts but never God’s! This year will be all about listening and seeking his voice 🙌
Seeking God’s voice is so important.
This is so good, Matt!! I’ve been thinking about the voice of God a lot too. In fact, I wrote a poem a while back, and have another post in draft form, but it’s not gelling yet. I can’t quite say what I’m feeling. I agree with Gary though – I want to hear and respond to the slightest whisper. And we must listen to His voice above all others. Love the part about a thousand cuts. Just beautiful all around!
God is always speaking to us if we slow down and stop to listen. The more we respond, the more he guides. I hope to get better at it myself.
Thank you for this. This is something I have been struggling with lately. The enemy has been in my head, so I appreciate the encouragement to listen to the right voices. This really hit home. And I loved the verses from John 10 that you shared since my word for 2023 is Shepherd. I will be digging into that chapter of the Bible a bit this year.
Listening to the voice of Jesus is something we all need practice wtih
This is so good for me to read. I need to remind myself of what Jesus says.
I need to do so also
Thank you Matt for these encouraging words. Competing whispers can quell one’s drive to step forward without fear. I am praying for a family member who is struggling with depression and these dark voices.
Prayed for your family member
Thank you Matt!