The Voice- Part 1

A few weeks back NBC launched a new show called, “The Voice.”  A number of gifted vocalists audition for a panel of vocal experts.  The experts walk with a number of contestants as they embark on a journey of finding their voice.  They work to hone their skills and to truly grow into their voice as God gave to it them.  I haven’t watched the show yet but couldn’t help but think of the symbolism of finding ones voice.  Many of us spend years and years looking for our own voice, our own identity and what that means for our daily lives.  Each day we are bombarded with lots of conflicting voices telling us what to think, wear, eat, say, and do.  It can be challenging to sort through the mess and try to find God’s voice and then our own voice.

There is one voice that we tend to hear loud and clear.  It tends to sound like this, “you’re not good enough, that will never work, you can’t do it, you’ll never be able to accomplish that.”  Many of those seeking work hear this voice more often then they would like, saying, “You’re not qualified, good luck finding a new job, how long can you make it financially like this?”  As hard as we may try, that voice is the one that we most often hear.  It discourages us, makes us afraid, doubtful, nervous and irrational.  Peter reminds of us of this struggle in 1 Peter 5:7-8, “Cast all your anxiety on him (Jesus) because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:7-8, TNIV)  The devil is just waiting, hoping we’ll take the bait, that we will be convinced his voice is the voice of a “realist” or “reality” instead of seeing it as a voice of negativity and deception.

The voice of the devil does not just speak to us about work, it speaks into our families, our marriage, our relationships, and even into our churches.  This voice tells you, to be afraid of anything unfamiliar, distrust any change, and keep things the same at all costs.  Don’t be unique, just give up, don’t worry about following God, just follow the crowd, just try to be as “normal” as possible, don’t make waves, and don’t do something extraordinary, just get by.  This voice is not the most powerful or important voice we hear.  Come back to read the next 2 posts as we look at God’s voice in the midst of our chaotic lives, and then finally what it looks like to find our own voice.

Pastor Bill

Discussion Questions

  1. What is the voice of the devil whispering into your life right now?
  2. Are there certain times this voice tends to speak louder to you?
  3. What makes it challenging to ignore or dismiss this voice?