Mid-Week Review: Do You Hear Voices

“And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” - John 10:4
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the voices around you? Social media, friends, family, teachers, and the world all seem to have something to say about who you should be and what you should do. But with so much noise, how do we know which voice to follow?
Jesus tells us that His sheep know His voice and follow Him. But recognizing His voice isn’t always easy. Just like on a show like The Voice, where judges listen carefully to choose the best singers, we must learn to listen carefully for Jesus’ voice amidst all the distractions in our lives.
So how can we recognize the voice of our Shepherd, Jesus?

1. His Voice is Personal – Jesus knows you by name. He speaks to your heart in a way that is specific to you. He understands your struggles, your dreams, and your fears. Psalm 139:1-3 reminds us that God knows everything about us. His voice is not distant—it’s close and personal.
2. His Voice Aligns with Scripture – God will never tell you something that goes against His Word. If you hear something that contradicts the Bible, it’s not from Him. II Timothy 3:16 tells us that Scripture is the ultimate truth, guiding us in the right direction.
3. His Voice is Gentle but Firm – Jesus doesn’t force or manipulate. His voice brings peace and clarity, not confusion or fear. When Elijah sought God, He spoke in a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). That’s how Jesus speaks to us—calmly, but with authority.
4. His Voice Brings Peace – God’s voice doesn’t create anxiety or chaos. Even when He challenges us to step out in faith, His voice is filled with peace. Philippians 4:7 says that His peace “passeth all understanding.”
5. His Voice is Best Heard in Intimacy – The more time we spend with Jesus—through prayer, worship, and reading His Word—the more we will recognize His voice. Just like sheep know their shepherd by spending time with him, we learn to recognize Jesus’ voice when we stay close to Him.

Are you listening for the Shepherd’s voice? Take time today to quiet the noise and tune in to Jesus. He’s speaking—will you follow?

-Tom Bragdon


This devotion came from a summary of the Morning Worship Sermon on 03/09/25, to watch the Full Sermon on this topic, simply follow the link below.


Disclaimer:
This devotion was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While every effort has been made to ensure the content aligns with biblical principles and spiritual values, readers are encouraged to consult scripture and seek personal guidance for their faith journey.