But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says, “Do not be afraid!”
The voice of truth says, “This is for My glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
— The Voice Of Truth, by Casting Crowns
What if David had listened to the crowd when he went to face giant Goliath with a sling and five stones? What if Noah had listened to the skeptics when he began building the ark? What if Paul and Silas had left when their chains fell off in prison?
These events are stories in the Bible that most people are familiar with, even if their only encounters with church were for Vacation Bible School or Backyard Bible Club. These are a few accounts that have come to mind since Sunday. We are all walking through something. Trial or celebration, day to day, or decisions of a lifetime, regardless of my circumstance, I know that God alone goes before me, sustains me, and has equipped me for whatever I am experiencing.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
— Deuteronomy 31:8
God’s direction, prompting, provision, plans, and preparation are all more than I could ever need. He always goes above and beyond to shepherd me and lead me in the path where he makes the best way for me, but our enemy is at work while we are here on this earth. He is determined to be a voice that distracts, stirs up confusion and chaos, deceives, and seeks out his own win at any cost. That is his delight, and he is crafty. He will use good things and good people to disguise his intent. I know that if I am not at peace, God is not in it. It doesn’t mean God is not with me, but it means I need a reset. I need to get in God’s word, evaluate my environment and what I allow to come in, and make some adjustments.
Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
— John 8:43–44
And no wonder! Satan does it all the time, dressing up as a beautiful angel of light. So it shouldn’t surprise us when his servants masquerade as servants of God. But they’re not getting by with anything. They’ll pay for it in the end.
— 2 Corinthians 11:14–15
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
— James 4:7–8
Yesterday was a challenging day for me. I couldn’t figure out why I was in a little bit of a funk throughout the day. I know as a family, we have been walking through some challenging times. I also know that God is with us. I couldn’t figure out why I was having even a moment of doubt or discouragement. Then I received a reminder from one of my life-long mentors, my amazing mom. The crazy thing is that she has no idea that she ministered to me. God used her worship and outpouring of love for him from a very silent place, a place she has no clue was witnessed, to bring me back to center. He spoke in silence through her, and I was able to be still before the Lord and listen. From that moment on, the chorus of the song The Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns has been on my heart.
Truth. I will choose to walk in truth. I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.