The Apostle Paul gives us a superb metric for decision-making in Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” The Peace of Christ is supposed to be the coach that calls the plays in your life.
When discerning God’s voice, listen to the posture of your heart. Does a certain decision, even when it makes logical sense on paper, leave you with a lingering sense of spiritual unease? Conversely, does one other path, even whether it is difficult or requires a leap of religion, include an inexplicable sense of peace?
Throughout church history, spiritual directors have referred to this as a way of being drawn closer to God’s love and peace, and a way of hysteria, distance, and unrest. God’s voice rarely induces panic. The enemy rushes and condemns; God gently leads and convicts. If the voice you’re hearing is demanding frantic motion out of fear, it will not be from the Lord.
4. Seek the Counsel of a Discerning Community
Western culture idolizes the “lone ranger” Christian, but biblically, Christians were almost at all times doing things as a community. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “Where there isn’t any guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there may be safety.”
God likes to speak to us through the wisdom of mature, Spirit-filled believers. We all have areas in our lives where we’re blind. We are easily deceived by our own desires, convincing ourselves that what we wish is definitely what God wants. A trusted community acts as a loving mirror, helping to separate our fleshly ambitions from the real leading of the Holy Spirit.
Do not surround yourself with friends who only validate every decision you make. Find two or three older, mature believers who love you sufficient to let you know the reality even when it hurts. Ask them to assist keep you accountable and in tune with the voice of God.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Maskot
Source: https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/strategies-to-discern-the-voice-of-god-in-a-noisy-world.html
