Is that you, Lord?

Yesterday, I was writing about the voice of God and how it leads us to rest. Today, I’d like to further discuss that topic while pointing out a simple truth: other voices will certainly compete for our attention. We need to use holy discernment to figure out one voice from the other but we must also rest on God’s Word to live from the Spirit.

Some people get very uncomfortable when discussing such matters. They think that giving in to God and living a life for Him means changing everything about their lives and leaving out all the things they enjoy. They run from Him because it’s easier then entering into a relationship with Him.

This is understandable. If you have ever felt that way, you are not alone.

But if we learn the heart of God, we learn He is for us. He is not against us. The best things in life and the things we desire most for ourselves are the good things He desires for us, as well. When our hearts align with His, we see this. And we open doors to let them in.

Friends, when we learn to rightly divide the Word of God, we see we are now under a covenant of grace because of what Jesus has done for us. John 1:17 says, For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

What this means is when you accept Christ into your heart, you are under this new covenant. Grace covers your sins. Grace covers your choices. Grace covers your life.

Some people think this becomes a license to sin and it doesn’t make sense to their heart. Because if someone tells you it’s ok to make bad choices and Jesus will cover them for you, what else would you think?

But the truth is this: when you enter into a relationship with Christ, you become like Him. You evolve from the first day you say “yes” until the moment you get to be with Him in heaven. I know that may not sound as cool as what you would choose over Him and quite frankly, you could actually look the fool to people who would refuse to understand – that’s a real possibility. But your greatest joys, my friend, lie in the heart of Christ as well as your strongest and best relationships. God has a very real way of making everything better. He longs to see you smiling under that truth. Those of us who think we know joy without Him will be overwhelmed by how good it feels to come close to Him.

So, hearing the voice of God is not as hard as we might think. What makes us feel full? What makes us feel loved? What makes us feel real and lasting joy? These are the things of God. We live and learn, we lean on Him, we make better choices and ultimately, we find a peace we never thought was possible this side of heaven.

I speak of these things because my heart longs that all would know them. It’s not a ploy to get someone else to believe in my God so I feel better about the whole thing. It’s a real desire to see people coming to the heart of Christ and finding rest and joy for their weary souls.

Jesus’ truths have not fizzled out. You’d think within 2000 years, they would. But they don’t. And there is a reason behind that. If you haven’t explored that yet, I hope you would. There is a life outside the pain you’ve carried. There is a peace that passes all understanding.

And His voice is easier to hear than one might think.

Blessings and peace to you today, my friends. As you share that peace with others, may you experience something very real in the love and hope of God. It’s always there for the taking.