The Voice of God vs. Your Inner Voice!

One day last week I was travelling down I-77 heading home from work. If you know the area, you already know how the traffic is usually a mess (I-485 Huntersville exit, especially around the 5:00pm time frame. However, there are times when I will use the exit before where I normally get off (Harris Blvd.) to avoid the congestion.

This day I noticed a sign that was blinking, “heavy congested traffic ahead,” with the purpose of alerting me and the other drivers as to what the conditions were up ahead. Not having much time to decide which exit to use, I inquired about the Lord. He said, the sign says, heavy congested traffic, but continue to your next exit. In that moment, I still had to decide whether to believe God, or believe the blinking sign, heavy congested ahead. I chose to believe God. I continued to the Huntersville exit and was able to get on without any problem.

I know you may be wondering why bother God with something so minimal. However, God wants to participate in all areas of our lives. How will we know, if we don’t communicate with Him? But we must first know how to discern His voice, and our inner voice. One way we can achieve this is simple, have a relationship with Him. This starts with a two-way conversation.

I want to encourage you and motivate you to learn how to discern the voice of God, verses your inner voice. It starts with a heart posture that is attentive, observant, and obedient.

Discerning God’s voice from your own requires checking for alignment with Scripture, internal peace, and consistent character, rather than emotional or impulsive thoughts.

Key Differences to Discern Voices:

Alignment with Scripture: God’s voice will never contradict the Bible. Your own voice may justify actions that violate biblical principles.

· Presence of Peace: God's voice brings a deep sense of peace, even in challenging situations. Your own voice often creates confusion, anxiety, or hurriedness.

· Consistency vs. Fluctuations: The voice of the Holy Spirit is stable, consistent, and firm. Your inner voice often wavers, changes with moods, and is based on emotions.

· Conviction vs. Condemnation: God brings gentle conviction that leads to repentance and hope. Your inner voice (or "inner critic") may bring condemnation, shame, or despair.

· Tone and Character: God speaks with love, wisdom, and gentleness. Self-centered thoughts often sound impatient, urgent, or selfish.

External Confirmation: God’s voice is often confirmed by trusted, godly counsel or circumstances.

How to Cultivate Discernment:

Read the Word: Regularly reading the Bible helps you recognize the tone and character of God's voice.

· Quiet Prayer: Spend time in silence to distinguish God's whisper from the "noise" of your own thoughts.

Test the Thoughts: Ask if the thought promotes love, humility, and obedience or if it pushes for pride, fear, or instant gratification.

Love y'all to Life!

Pastor P