In the times which are to come it is crucial that we are able to distinguish the different voices at work within us. We may sometimes feel as though there are many voices coming from all directions but in fact there are but three. Allow me to briefly outline them.

First we hear our own inner voice. This voice has been impacted by both of the other voices to follow and so it can sometimes sound like either. We are imprinted with an identity and that identity has been acquired over years. It has been fed into us by the words our parents, neighborhood kids, schoolmates, co-workers, spouses, etc have spoken about us. We have either chosen to receive these words or reject them.

In receiving them we allow them into our hearts. From here they are given power to define us. The problem is that so many of these words are inaccurate. They are spoken from the “wrong voice in them” and received by the false identities within us.

We long to hear words of affirmation and yet for many of us they are difficult to receive. The words we so readily agree with are the ones which affirm the fears within, “You are not good enough and you never will be.” “You are worthless and pathetic,” and so on. So by the time we reach maturity many of us are confused with regards to our identities.

The voice of the enemy may seem very familiar to us. Often it sounds like us. This is the result of familiar spirits who know us because they have literally observed us all of our lives. Yet for all their familiarity they do not love us. They hate us. We are nothing more than an assignment to them and that assignment lines up with their master’s mission to kill, steal and destroy. The words they speak bring death. They agree with all the other negative voices in our lives and affirm that they are true. As mentioned, for most of us it is easy to come into agreement with them.

The last voice, but certainly not the least, is that of God. From my experience this is the one that can be the hardest to hear. His voice is most evident in the stillness and it comes through most clearly when our hearts are tuned into Him. Just as we do with the voice of the enemy, we often write off what is said as self-talk. Yet if we allow ourselves to tune into the voice of God we will step into the flow of His living streams of water. The words of the LORD bring life. They heal, restore, bring affirmation and loving correction.

Many believe that God speaks in but one voice and that is the voice which booms forth thunderously to plant grown men on their faces in fear and trembling. While this is represented in scripture, what is represented most often is the still small voice within. Because it is still and small it is easy to ignore but if we choose to listen what we hear will transform us.

All three of these voices are active . You will hear from each of them today. It is how you respond to them that makes all the difference. You must rightly discern between truth and lies. The voices you spend the most time listening to will have the greatest familiarity. With that thought in mind, imagine that the voice you chose to listen to first was that of Jesus.

To do this you must set aside the time to hear from Him. You must become familiar with Him. You must know Him not only by His titles but by His heart. He promises that if you seek Him with all your heart you will find Him. Meanwhile the enemy says that seeking God is a worthless endeavor… not only will you fail, God would never wish to be found by “a worm like you.”

None of this is formal writing. I am simply sharing with you the lessons that I am learning. Difficult times are close at hand. When they come we will need to know how to distinguish the voices that are at work within us.

Do you know the voices speaking into your heart? Do you know how to discern them and respond to them accordingly? Believe the truth. Speak the truth. Walk in the truth. It is the voice of truth which will change your life and give you the guidance you need in the times which are to come.

~ Mitch Salmon

Mitch Salmon is the founder of Fisher of Men Productions and a follower of Jesus Christ and proclaimer of the Good News – The Gospel of Christ Jesus!