Discerning the Voice

Mountains were often sought after as places of solitude and prayer

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts says psalm 95:8. When we are sincere in seeking God, we are by that very fact listening to his voice. The problem isn't in our hearts' willingness, but our ability to discern God's voice from the many other voices we hear.

I think one of the voices we must be wary of is the voice that tries to reason with us against our own heart. That voice is outside of ourselves, and looks at situations from a very natural and worldly point of view. It's not always wrong. But because it is sometimes right, we are tempted to let that voice decide for us, and we shouldn't. 

Another voice we must be wary of is our own voice of reason. Sometimes what God invites us to do is not at all reasonable. Sometimes God asks us to take another direction or to leave something familiar behind. If we guide ourselves by reason only, we will miss the call.

Think of the disciples. Leaving nets, boats and families, they followed Jesus, who promised them nothing. Had they reasoned Jesus call out, they most likely would never have followed him.

I think a major part of hearing God's voice is trusting in our ability to hear it. We are so afraid to believe in our spiritual self. Maybe that is the real meaning of the words If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. If today you hear the voice of God, trust in your ability to hear.