As followers of Christ, we know how important it is to have a close relationship with God and listen to what He is calling us to do. Yet, there will be times and circumstances that will move us away from God. There will also be moments when satan’s voice will overpower God’s voice in our lives. When these moments show up, we should avidly seek God, but it’s sometimes hard to tell what voice is speaking to us. As simple as it is to call on God, sometimes we have a hard time distinguishing between God’s voice and the voice of the enemy. If we want to have a solid relationship with God and walk boldly as believers, we have to know what voice is speaking to us. Here are five ways to distinguish between God’s voice and satan’s voice.
It Causes Panic, Not Calm
One of the greatest ways to distinguish between God’s voice and satan’s voice is to ask yourself if what you hear causes you to feel a sense of panic or peace. Usually, when it’s satan’s voice, you will be left feeling incredibly anxious. It won’t feel like there is any peace in your heart. We know from Scripture that our God is a God of peace. Second Thessalonians 3:16 says, “Now may the LORD of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way…” and Psalm 29:11 says, “The LORD gives strength to His people, the LORD blesses His people with peace.” If you feel like your inner sense of peace is lost, it may be the devil ay work.
It Goes Against God’s Word
A tell-tale sign that you’re listening to satan’s voice and not God’s voice is if it contradicts God’s Word. Satan will tell you that it’s ok to sin and that the sin you’re committing won’t damage the people around you. This couldn’t be further from the truth. We are called to obey God’s commandments. Deuteronomy 5:33 says, “Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” If the voice you’re hearing is leading you to sin and go against God’s Word, it isn’t of God.
It Weakens Your Prayer Life
As Christians, we are called to pray daily. We are called to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Philippians 4:6 says. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Satan will spend time trying to pull you away from your time with God. You will no longer be encouraged to pray because the voice tells you that you have too many other important things going on. If you’re having trouble praying, call on God, and ask Him to open your heart again to active prayer. James 4:8 says, “draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” God wants you to be close to Him each day, and prayer is the best opportunity to draw near Him.
It Feels Like Commotion
Listening to satan’s voice will feel like commotion. This is why it’s imperative that we turn down the commotion occurring in our lives so we can more clearly hear God’s voice. Sometimes, it will feel like God is silent, but the truth is He is always present. Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to Me, and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” If you feel like there is a great deal of chaos going on in your life, this may simply be satan stirring up trouble. You must tune out the enemy’s commotion so you can draw closer to God.
It Makes You Feel Worthless
One of satan’s greatest tricks is to convince you that you are worthless. Over time, you begin to become convinced that you are no longer valuable to God or anyone else. You will begin to ask yourself things like, “If God loved me, why am I experiencing this.” This is satan planting seeds of doubt in your head so that you will disconnect from God. Know that this is not of God. Satan wants nothing more for you to doubt God and the value of your life. If he can trick you into thinking this, he can move you far away from God. God wants the opposite. He wants to uplift you. He wants you to know how important you are. You are not worthless. Understand that you are important and bring value to this planet.
It’s time to pause and listen to what voices are speaking to you right now. If something is going on in your life that is blocking you from hearing God’s voice, you must clear it from your space. Psalm 66:18 says, “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the LORD would not have listened.” Call on God this very moment and restore your relationship with Him. The more time you spend speaking with God, the easier it is to distinguish His voice.
