We have another thought-provoking article from our young Youth author, Alexa Smith, who asks the question: “Which voice are you listening to?

 ^“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19 NIV).

Is it just me, or do others find themselves in a position of guilt, frustration or internal disappointment when making a quick judgement or decision that you later regret?

This seems to be a common dilemma that can potentially hurt others more than ourselves. So, what is this voice that causes these outbursts of anger and emotional damage?

How can we redirect our attention to God in these situations?

Well, if I told you the short answer, it would be “Simply God!” 

But it is more complicated than that. We often find ourselves listening to what is our perceived wisdom of God, rather than the wisdom of truth and grace that He provides for us in unique and unexpected ways.

There are many voices that come from our own past experiences or ways in which we have tried to defend ourselves. Add to this the voice of the enemy, that shifts our attention away from Godly truth and wisdom.

The only way to restore the relationship between us and God and to avoid wrong, hasty decision-making is to pray, read the Bible, encourage Godly friendships, and surround ourselves with what the Holy Spirit sounds like, feels like and looks like in our world today.

This will not only improve your life, but it will also silence those voices in your head that discourage you and tell you “You can’t”.  It will help you to keep your eyes on the One Who can.

So, the next time those voices try to suck you in and whisper lies that want to take you off course, remember whose Spirit is in you. As Scripture says in 1 John 4:4 (KJV) … “Greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world”.

The word of God is bigger than anything and everything that has the ability to hurt you.

Which voice will you listen to?

Alexa Smith
April 24, 2024