From the DAWGHouse…
Do You Know the Voice of Jesus?
As Christians, we often hear the phrase, “Listen to the voice of Jesus.” But what does that really mean? How can we, during the noise and distractions of our daily lives, truly recognize His voice? This is a question of deep significance, as knowing the voice of Jesus is foundational to our walk with Him.
The primary way Jesus speaks to us is through Scripture. In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” This verse emphasizes that knowing the voice of Jesus is not just about hearing words but recognizing and following Him. The Bible is the Word of God, and it is through it that we can most clearly hear His voice.
In other words, when we spend time in God’s Word, we become familiar with His voice. The more we read and meditate on Scripture, the more we attune our hearts and minds to the truths it contains. This is why daily Bible reading and study are essential for every believer. The Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, illuminates the Scriptures, helping us discern and understand what God is saying.
Another way we hear Jesus is through prayer. Prayer is not just a one-way conversation where we present our requests to God. It’s also a time to listen. Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16), setting an example for us to follow. In the quietness of prayer, we can hear the still, small voice of Jesus speaking to our hearts.
Listening in prayer requires us to be still and wait on the Lord. Psalm 46:10 instructs us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In our fast-paced world, stillness can be challenging, but it is in those moments of quiet that we often hear Jesus most clearly. As we develop a habit of listening in prayer, we become more sensitive to His leading.
Of course you might be thinking, this world is full of voices competing for our attention – media, culture, opinions, and even our own thoughts. So, how do we truly distinguish the voice of Jesus?
Jesus’ voice is always consistent with His character and the Word of God. He speaks with love, truth, and grace. If a thought, feeling, or leading contradicts Scripture, it is not from Jesus. John 16:13 tells us that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth, and one of the ways He does this is by helping us recognize when something is or isn’t from God.
We also recognize Jesus’ voice by the peace that accompanies it. Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” When Jesus speaks, His words bring peace, even in challenging situations. This peace is confirmation that we are hearing Him correctly.
Knowing the voice of Jesus is ultimately about relationship. Just as sheep know their shepherd’s voice because they spend time with him, we come to know Jesus’ voice by spending time with Him. This involves regular Bible reading, prayer, worship, and obedience to what we hear Him saying. As we cultivate our relationship with Jesus, we grow in our ability to discern His voice. It becomes clearer and more distinct, even with life’s distractions. The more time we spend with Him, the more we recognize when He is speaking to us.
So, do you know the voice of Jesus?
It’s a question worth reflecting on. If you’re unsure, don’t be discouraged. The journey of faith is a process, and Jesus is patient and loving, always drawing us closer to Him. Commit to spending more time in His Word, in prayer, and in stillness before Him. As you do, you will grow in your ability to hear, recognize, and follow His voice.
To The Kingdom
Joe Bouch
