“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
If you feel overwhelmed or confused about a decision you’re trying to make, you might be wrapped up in yourself and not listening for God’s voice. The Bible says, “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV). He is not the author of confusion.
When God speaks, it doesn’t create anxiety and worry. In fact, it creates the exact opposite. One sign you’ve heard God’s voice is when you’re in the middle of a storm—everyone else is worried and running around—yet you have a peace you can’t explain. That’s a sure sign you’re hearing from him. His voice gives you peace.
So if you’re feeling confused, guess what? It’s not God’s voice speaking.
If you’re a parent, do you want your kids to feel pressured or confused when you ask them to do something? No. You want them to understand what to do and then respond in obedience. God the Father wants the same thing for and from us.
If you’re feeling some anxiety and pressure, it might be because God’s told you to do something, and you keep saying “no.” That’s when pressure does build. But there’s always peace when you say “yes” to what God’s asking you to do.
Satan wants to drive us compulsively, but God wants to draw us compassionately. Satan wants to take advantage of our compulsions and use them to drive our lives. But God is our Good Shepherd. He wants to draw us in toward himself and experience his peace.
A pastor I deeply respect—the late Peter Lord—used to say, “Ninety percent of what God wants to say to you is encouragement.” If negative messages are all you ever hear from God, something’s wrong. If you can’t sense God’s peace about something as you’re listening to him, or if you feel like God’s told you to do something but you’re increasingly anxious because of it, something’s not right.
The Bible tells us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT).
You can count on this: When God speaks, his words bring peace, not anxiety.
What decision do you feel troubled or anxious or worried about? Do you believe this is something God told you to do?
Think about a decision you’re facing right now. What part of Philippians 4:6-7 are you already doing, and what part do you need to start doing?
What has God told you to do that you haven’t obeyed? What has been the effect?
Maybe you’ve never heard God speak to you.
John 8:47 says, “Whoever belongs to God hears what God says” (NIV). That’s the mark that you belong to God. You can hear him.
Do you belong to God? If you’ve never been saved—never stepped across that line and put your life totally in his hands—I have good news! You can settle this right now and begin a relationship with the God of the universe today. Just say something like this:
“Dear God, I want to know you. I want to hear your voice. I want to know what you want me to do with my life. I don’t understand it all, but I thank you that you love me, that you made me, and that you’ve shaped me for a purpose. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to the cross to pay for my sins. Thank you for your forgiveness. Show me the things in my life that are keeping me from knowing and hearing you. I want to confess them to you now. I ask you to accept me into your family and help me follow you and trust you from this day forward. Please let me hear your voice and feel your presence. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at Rick@PastorRick.com and let me know. I’d like to send you some free material to help you start your journey with Jesus.
