I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalm 32:8
As Christ’s followers, we must have a thorough understanding of God’s will and how it is revealed to us. This is important not only for our own spiritual growth and development but also for equipping us to guide others in the right direction. However, distinguishing the Lord’s voice can be difficult at times, especially when there are many false voices claiming to speak on His behalf. In this article, we will look at three ways the Lord reveals His will to us and how we can tell the difference between His voice and that of a stranger or a false shepherd.
The Word of God: The Scriptures
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
The first and foremost way in which God reveals His will to us is, through His word, the Holy Scriptures. The Bible is the foundation of our faith, and it is where we can find guidance and wisdom in every aspect of our lives. It is the source of truth, and it is where we can learn about the character and nature of God, and how we should live our lives in accordance with His will.
The Providential Workings of God
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21
Another way in which God reveals His will to us is through His providential works. This refers to the way in which God directs and guides our lives, often through circumstances and events that seem random or coincidental. However, if we remain close to Him and do not separate ourselves from Him by walking in our own ways and doing according to our own will, we will be able to recognize His voice and His hand in our lives.
The Impression of the Holy Spirit
The third way in which God reveals His will to us is through the appeals of His Holy Spirit, who makes impressions on our hearts. This is a more personal and intimate way in which God speaks to us, and it is often experienced as a deep sense of peace, direction, or conviction. It is important to cultivate a close relationship with the Holy Spirit and to listen carefully to the impressions He makes on our hearts.
Distinguishing the Voice of the Lord
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10:27
When it comes to discerning the voice of the Lord, it is important to remember that His voice will always align with the truth found in the Scriptures. If we are unsure about anything, we should always consult the Scriptures first. Additionally, if we have truly given ourselves to the Lord and have allowed Him to mold and shape us, we will have a deeper understanding of His voice and will be better able to distinguish it from the voice of a stranger or a false shepherd.
Trusting in the Lord and Working Out Our Salvation
Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
To cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with the Lord and to be able to distinguish His voice from that of a stranger, we must have an earnest desire to be pliable in His hands and to follow him wherever He may lead us. This requires trust and obedience on our part, as well as a willingness to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.
Conclusion
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.Matthew 7:15
In conclusion, understanding the Lord’s will and being able to distinguish His voice from that of a stranger or a false shepherd is essential for our growth and faith, as well as our ability to guide others. By staying close to Him, consulting the Scriptures, and cultivating a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit, we can deepen our understanding of His voice and live in accordance with His will.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
