The voice you hear and listen to is very important as a Christian. Many have made or marred their lives based on who they listened to. 

After leaving Egypt, the children of Israel reached a point where they were only a stone’s throw away from the promised land. The manifestation of what God had promised them was now more real than ever. They decided to send spies to observe the land before they progressed into it. The spies were without faith. Ten out of the twelve came back with a discouraging report. Joshua and Caleb however encouraged the people, telling them to remember the faithfulness of God. Unfortunately, the people chose to hear the voice of discouragement. They chose the voice of fear and unbelief over the voice of faith and they suffered for that. (Num. 13-14)

In the same vein, many believers today still behave like the Israelites. We refuse to hear and hearken unto the voice of encouragement. We would rather listen to what would dampen our spirits and cause us to lose faith. Bad news travels faster. People are quick to accept bad news and slow to receive good news. As Christians, we must be careful about the voice we listen to. The scripture helps us to know that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Rom. 10:17). The Israelites chose to listen to the word of men over the word of God. God had already told them the land was flowing with milk and honey and that he would give it to them. He again spoke through Joshua and Caleb that they should not be discouraged but they tuned their ears to the word of men instead and lost their faith. 

Pay attention to what God is saying. Doing anything contrary to that can and will weaken your faith. And we know that without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:16). The voice of limitations, fear, and condemnation is loud, intrusive, and persistent. But, you must pay attention to that still small voice (1 Kings 19:12 KJV), the voice that sounds like many waters rushing (Eze. 43:2), that relaxing and firm voice of God. You must hear the voice that says He has not given us the spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1:7). You must listen to the voice of God that tells you nothing is impossible to those who believe (Mk. 9:23). The same voice that says “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Rom. 8:1)

Again, you must be careful not to prioritize the voice of men –regardless of their caliber –over the voice of God. The story of the young and old prophets teaches us this. This young prophet had a clear instruction from God not to eat or drink anything in the place he was going to. An older prophet came and said otherwise, claiming to have the instruction of God. Instead of this young prophet sticking to what he had heard from God or even consulting God again on the matter, he went ahead to eat. Of course, this brought him utter destruction. Know God for yourself and be convinced beyond doubt, about what He has said concerning you. (1 Kings 13:11-25)

Finally, in these last days, many will come in the guise of a savior or shepherd. But we, as Jesus’ sheep must listen to His voice (John 10:27). We must be careful not to choose the voice of man over the voice of God. For every prophecy concerning you, be sure to vet it with those words God has said. Are you clinging on to a prophecy of death despite God telling you He will satisfy you with long life? Let the voice of God be the one you hear and obey. 

“So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.“

Heb 2:1 NLT

To hear and know God’s voice, you must stay in close fellowship. Someone said, “when your fellowship is non-existent or low, you will interpret another’s voice as God’s”. I dare say, you would not even be able to recognize His voice. To be vindicated from this, what you need is consistent and personal bible study, and of course, prayer. 

Furthermore, Jesus said His sheep know His voice. The first step to knowing His voice is to become His sheep. To do this, you must surrender your all to Him and be ready to follow Him faithfully. If you would like to do that please say this prayer:

Dear Jesus, I accept you as my Lord and I choose you today, tomorrow, and forever to follow, love, and serve. Amen.