Hearing Voices

We all make mistakes and we all have recorded these events and played the recordings over and over in our heads.  God, in His wisdom, will encourage us even while He convicts and challenges us when we do wrong.  Satan's one main task is to discourage us.  We will feel guilt and experience hopelessness if we’re listening to the lies, condemnation, and accusation of Satan.  The Bible has good news and informs us:

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.  (Galatians 5:21 NLT)

For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night.  (Revelation 12:10  NLT)

When we are paying attention to the voice of the evil one we will be left feeling distressed and upset because our mistake has been exposed and others, as well as ourselves, are judging us.  We'll spend much of our time punishing ourselves and brooding over the painful consequences of the event. Little by little the evil one seeks to move us towards self-hatred and despair.

On the other hand, while God's correction may be painful for a season, his guidance will lead us towards recognizing the harm in the wrong, bring about repentance and confession, and open our hearts to forgiveness and peace with God and others.  What a difference.

For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. (2 Corinthians 7:10 NLT)

In our moments of failure and weakness, let's choose to hear and respond to the loving voice of God who will lead us out of sin and into His wonderful salvation.

©2014 Partners in Hope