Distinguishing Voices

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I saw an image on one of my social media pages a week or so ago and it really spoke to me.  It took me back about 2 years actually, to a time that I even asked others, “How do you know if your thoughts are the voice of God, the voice of the Devil or simply you?”  

It was a question that went unanswered and left me frustrated wondering who really instilled those thoughts inside of me.  This illustration is so simple, yet so powerful and one that we should remember to consider when a voice from within is leading or pushing you in a certain direction.  

Is it a direction you should pursue or steer clear of?

So to take this one step further, I thought I’d expand upon these two lists by backing them up with some good old Bible verses…you know, the Word of God.  The Way, TRUTH and the Life!  

So here’s what I came up with:

God’s Voice

• Psalm 46:10 (NIV) – “Be still and know that I am God.”
• Psalm 23:1-4 (NKJV) – “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.  He guides me along paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.  Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
• Isaiah 43:1b (NIV) – “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
• Ephesians 1:18 (CEV) – “My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you.  Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God’s people.”
• 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT) – “He comfots us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.  When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
• Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) – “Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
• John 16:8-11 (The Message) – “When he comes, he’ll expose the error of the godless world’s view of sin, righteousness, and judgement: He’ll show them that their refusal to believe in me is their basic sin; that righteousness comes from above, where I am with the Father, out of their sight and control; thatjudgement takes place as the ruler of this godless world is brought to trial and convicted.”

 Satan’s Voice

• Genesis 3:6 (NIV) – “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.  She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.”
• Job 1: 9-12 (NLT) – Satan said to the Lord, “Job has a good reason to fear God.  You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property.  You have made him prosper in everything he does.  Look how rich he is!  But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!”  “All right, you may test him,” the Lord said to Satan.  “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence.”
• Hebrews 2:14-15 (CEV) – “We are people of flesh and blood.  That is why Jesus became one of us.  He died to destroy the devil, who had power over death.  But he also died to rescue all of us who live each day in fear of dying.”
• Genesis 3:1 (The Message) – “The serpent was clever, more clever than any wild animal God had made.  He spoke to the Woman: ‘Do I understand that God told you not to eat from any tree in the garden?’ “
• 1 Peter 5:8 (The Message) – “Keep a cool head.  Stay alert.  The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping.  Keep your guard up.”
• 1 Thessalonians 2:18 (The Voice) – “However, as much as we wanted to come to you – I, Paul, assure you we tried again and again – Satan thwarted our plans.”
• 1 John 4:4 (NLT) – “But you belong to God, my dear children.  You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”

Are there any Scriptures that come to mind that I haven’t listed for either of these two powerful voices?

If so, leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts!