A simple question to ask yourself for the New Year: what voices are you listening to on a consistent basis?
In our Bible study, we've been examining the book of Joshua (which I highly recommend!), and last week we saw the Israelites being deceived by the Gibeonites. I won't go into the details here (it's in Joshua ch.9), but suffice it to say, I was challenged by the way the Israelites listened to the Gibeonites tall tale, asked them questions, listened to their answers, and even examined some of the physical evidence the Gibeonites produced to bolster their fib.
But here's what the Israelites categorically failed to do--they never took it to their Heavenly Father in prayer. Joshua 9:14 starkly declares, they "did not ask counsel of the Lord." Hmm. Think about it. The Israelites entered into conversation with the Gibeonites, asking questions and listening to explanations. Yet they never paused to go to the ONLY One who knew everything, who fully understood the truth, who already had a track record of giving His people perfect plans for conquering the first two cities in the promised land, who loved them and who always provided for them. They listened to all those Gibeonite voices but never sought to listen to the voice of God, the voice of truth. Houston, we have a problem.
But what does God’s Word say? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Prov.3:5-6 When we need His wisdom—which, of course, each of us does every day of our lives!—He promises to give it to us. For instance, we’re promised in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Or as Mt.7:7 puts it: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” When we’re burdened and discouraged, He tells us to “COME TO ME, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Mt.11:28-29
When the way ahead seems incredibly dark and confusing, Jesus promises us that “I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the Light of Life.” (John8:12) When we feel weak and unable, the psalmist tells us to “Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Ps.55:22) When we’re overcome with fear and anxiety, He assures us in His Word, “Fear not, for I AM with you; be not dismayed, for I AM your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isa.41:10). We all suffer from spiritual amnesia, so we need to go to His Word to listen to HIS voice and be reminded once again of who He is and all He can do.
Sadly, that’s not what the Israelites did. They evaluated the Gibeonites’ claims based not upon the perfect all-seeing wisdom of God but based upon the very limited amount their eyes could see and their common sense could supply. That’s called walking by sight. When we start walking by sight rather than by faith, we will inevitably stumble and fall.
So what's the antidote for deception and listening to the wrong voices? Well, duh--listen to THE voice: the voice of truth! Listen to God's voice. And how do we do that? By abiding in His Word. That means we read it, study it, ponder it, maybe pause for little moments during our day to read a verse or two from it.
Let me ask you: how often do you check your phone during the day? hmm. When you’re waiting in line at the grocery store, for instance, do you tend to pull out your phone and start perusing instagram or Facebook or whatever social media's latest fad might be? You do know, right, that the geniuses in Silicon Valley spend gobs of money and effort to make sure their stuff is addictive in order to keep us on it as much as possible. Don’t let all their voices drown out the voice of truth!
Here’s an idea: let’s replace some of that scrolling with scripture! Get a Scripture app on your phone and the next time you’re standing in line, read some Scripture instead!
Be deliberate and discerning about what voices you allow into your ears and heart on a daily basis. As we’ve seen, the Israelites listened to the voices of the Gibeonites but failed to listen to the voice of God. Make sure, no matter what, that God’s voice in God’s Word is the voice you listen to every day. Even if it’s only a couple of minutes—God’s Word is supernatural, and He can do amazing things even with a few moments.
Ask yourself if there are some voices you’ve been listening to that are not reflective of beauty, goodness, and truth? For example, are you listening to certain podcasts or watching certain programs that you know are untruthful, unwise, God-rejecting or that are somehow discouraging you? We need to be discerning about what voices we allow to fill our ears and minds on a regular basis.
And I've shared this before, but that’s because I believe it can be so life-changing! So here it is again!: Try to make God’s voice the first thing you listen to in the morning. Don’t open your phone or computer or pick up anything else to read until after you’ve spent time a few minutes reading and listening to God’s voice in His Word.
So a simple but profoundly important encouragement for this New Year--be discerning regarding the voices you are listening to on a consistent basis and be deliberate in daily listening to and heeding the life-giving, truth-telling, destiny-altering, hope-restoring, peace-instilling voice of Almighty God.
Thank You, Father, for choosing to reveal Yourself to us in Your written Word. Thank You for the power of Your Word to change hearts and lives. And thank You for the gift of all gifts: Jesus, the Living Word How thankful we are for Your written and Your Living Word!
To God be the glory.
