Hearing His Voice #243

You must be careful to obey all the commands of the LORD your God, following his instructions in every detail.

Deuteronomy 5:32

God’s voice is not just a voice. It’s a mandate. That doesn’t mean He’s a dictator who compels us against our will to do whatever He says. Far from it. But when He speaks, He speaks absolute truth. There is no reasonable alternative to what He says. He isn’t simply one voice among many others to choose from. We can find other options if we want to, but none will serve us better than what God has said. His voice is the only one worth following.

That’s the nature of absolute truth—and the difference between asking to hear from God and asking to hear from a human being. We normally weigh the voices we hear—experts on a given subject carry more weight than casual opinions—and then consider our options accordingly. But when we hear from God, our normal processes for seeking advice don’t apply. The only reasonable response to absolute truth is to follow it.

We need to remember that when we ask to hear from God. We have to know that we aren’t seeking suggestions or advice or a thoughtful opinion. We’re seeking authoritative words, and we should be prepared to respond to them as such. God loves a good discussion, but He has no need to ask for a rebuttal from us, no matter how well reasoned. He invites our thoughts, feelings, and desires, but in matters of instruction, He doesn’t really need our wisdom. He knows what He is saying, and it’s as true as truth gets.

Respond with diligence to all God has said. His words are more than helpful; they are exactly what we need to know for our own well-being. If we treat them casually, we do ourselves harm. But if we are careful to follow all that He says, He assures us that we will experience life in all its fullness.

Lord, forgive me for treating Your words casually. They are my absolute truth, my only anchor in this world. Help me follow You from my heart.