We are living in a generation filled with voices … too many voices. It seems to me the last 3 years have filled everyone’s life with an overabundance of conflicting, divisive, gut wrenching information. All this commotion coupled with a world that is upside down, causes all of us to come away confused, heart sick and wondering what it looks like to love others well with the love of Jesus … AND follow Jesus (which should always be the same thing).
The Scriptures teach us that mankind has always had a struggle with the pull and conflict of competing voices. However, this generation is particularly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of opinions, directives, and the struggles of others that have risen to a loud cacophony of shrill pandemonium. The overload is more problematic because it has ready access to our minds, through our phones, televisions, social media, government officials, friends and family. All this is continually stirring up our emotions and our emotional responses. Good grief! Even the walls in our homes shout everything from encouraging Scriptures to, “Welcome”, “Coffee Bar”, “Laundry”, “Kitchen” and “Be a sweetie, wipe the seaty”.
We KNOW the chaos is whipped up by the evil one. We KNOW that Christ has called us to be salt and light as believers but many believers find themselves reeling … paralyzed not knowing what to think, do, or even what to pray. I am often reminded of the words of the angel in Daniel 7:25 as he speaks of the last days saying that the Saints of the Most High will be worn down. Now, I am not saying we are there. I don’t know – but man, it sure feels that way – so many feel really worn down.
Again believers, we all can agree that amidst all the shouting we just want to hear Jesus – we NEEEED to hear HIS VOICE above the din of all the other voices. HE wants us to hear HIM. With great confidence we can rest in the fact that God desires for us to know how to walk, how to love, and how to follow Him faithfully, and HE invites us to ask Him for that wisdom (James 1:5) because He will give it! It is His will for us to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord (Colo.1:9-12, 1 Thess. 2:12).
So how do we stop the crazy and be refreshed? In this season John 10 speaks so sweetly to my heart – Jesus is speaking of the shepherd and the sheep.
“4When he puts all his own sheep outside, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 However, a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” …14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me, 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice; and they will become one flock, with one shepherd’ … ‘27 My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;”- John 10:4-5, 14-16, 27
I pray these verses throughout the day, and add my “yes” and “amen” (2 Cor. 1:20). It is imperative we know the Shepherd’s voice above all others. Here are some Biblical examples of trusted voices and evil voices both speaking counter to the voice of God. It happens almost immediately in the first chapters of Genesis.
Genesis 1 and 2 immediately introduce us to the voice of God creating all that was created, and then giving Adam instruction on what to do, and what to eat, and what not to eat. Right on the heels of God giving truth and breath to man, we see the evil one countering God’s voice in Genesis 3 with lies and deception. This is a preview of what mankind will deal with from generation to generation. It demonstrates how very desperate we should be to diligently seek to know God’s words personally and diligently pray to hear and obey the VOICE of God.
Genesis 3:6-24 stuns and saddens us as Eve – whom God gave Adam as a helpmeet – is deceived by the VOICE of the deceiver. She in turn entices Adam with her VOICE. Genesis 3:17 brings the trickle down effect into view, “Then to Adam He (God) said, “Because you have listened to the VOICE of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I COMMANDED you saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’ … cursed is … ” This is a wake -up call to all of us. The evil one can use the voices of the confused and the ones we trust.
In Genesis 16 we have another example. Abram is instructed by God to wait on the promised son. Instead Abram listens to the VOICE of his doubting wife Sarai, and takes a mistress, “… And Abram listened to the VOICE of Sarai.” Scripture continues with instance after instance of those who listen to the other voices with disastrous results.
We must consciously be in prayer to hear THE SHEPHERD. John 10 is contextually speaking of the effectual inner call of God as He draws his people to salvation. However, I do not think we are out of context as we pray daily to hear the guidance of THE SHEPHERD. The Shepherd of Psalm 23 is manifested in Christ our Good Shepherd in John 10. I suggest you spend time looking at Psalm 23 and John 10, and John 14 all together – It will be such peace and comfort to you. He is not only the Door to the fold but He is THE SHEPHERD that leads HIS sheep. Jesus told us in John 14:16-21 that He would send us a helper. Take time to read this and believe it!
Be encouraged to KNOW and BELIEVE GOD and His Word! Then remember that your Shepherd has you, and nothing takes Him by surprise. HE has ordained you and your life for just this time, this season, and these moments on the kingdom calendar (Psalm 139:16, Acts 17:26, Ephesians 2:10). He has not left us as orphans (John 14). JESUS assures us that HIS words are truth! Spend time in prayer today asking that you hear HIS VOICE above the chaos. And when things get overwhelming, let me encourage you to sing the following song or any song that turns your eyes and mind to THE SHEPHERD!!! Come on, sing with me – You will be so glad you did!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus look full in his wonderful face
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace
O soul are you weary and troubled no light in the darkness you see
There’s light for a look at the Savior and life more abundant and free
Turn your eyes upon Jesus look full in his wonderful face
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace
His word shall not fail you he promised believe him and all will be well
then go to a world that is dying His perfect salvation to tell
Turn your eyes upon Jesus look full in his wonderful face
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace
O soul are you weary and troubled no light in the darkness you see
There’s light for a look at the Savior and life more abundant and free
Turn your eyes upon Jesus look full in his wonderful face
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace
By: Helen H. Lemmel