We live in a society today where we are constantly bombarded with voices telling us what to do from the Internet, to the radio, to television, from books to magazines to our friends and family. We’re told what to buy, how to eat, how bad the economy is or isn’t, the latest gossip about entertainers and politicians, how to dress, what not to wear, who we need to date, how to get a boyfriend or girlfriend, how to get rid of your boyfriend or girlfriend. The list is endless!
Just thinking about all of the information we are bombarded with is exhausting! But one thing is for sure, there are a lot of voices out there competing for our attention. And among these voices is God’s small, intimate voice. It is His voice that should reign loudest in our lives. God 
has something to say in regard to your everyday matters. He has answers to your day-to-day questions and solutions to your problems. Not only does He have answers but He has direction for you to follow and divine wisdom that will lead and guide you to safety. His best path for your life is His divine destiny He has prepared for you.
In 1990, God was trying to get my attention, but I didn’t realize it. I opened a mail bomb that was sent to my dad. It blew up in my lap, but God miraculously spared my life! I survived with some injuries, but by all accounts, I should have been dead! When I look back on that situation, I remember picking up that small box three times and putting it back down. I wanted to open it, but I was hesitant. I had uneasiness about it and something didn’t feel right. I didn’t realize at the time that the Holy Spirit was warning me. Because I knew that my parents received gifts and books in the mail often, I let my curiosity get in the way so I opened it and the bomb went off. I realize it now, of course, that God tried to get my attention through the hesitation in my spirit beforehand to warn me.
The apostle Paul experienced a prompting in his spirit regarding a situation as well. He was on a ship and God spoke to him. He said in Acts 27:10, “I perceive in my spirit that this voyage is going to be disastrous.” And wouldn’t you know it, it was indeed disastrous! He tried to warn the owner of the ship and the centurion on board, but nevertheless, the majority decided to sail on. Shortly after casting off, a wind of hurricane force swept down from the island, and they faced a raging storm! God spared their lives, but Paul had been warned in his spirit beforehand, and he listened.
God wants to speak to you and lead you in your own life course. John 16:13 says “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.” The Holy Spirit, God’s spirit who lives in you, speaks to your spirit. It’s not an audible voice, but His direction is sensed in your spirit, and it registers in your mind. It’s an impression that God drops into your heart. Sometimes God drops direction; sometimes it’s a warning, sometimes it’s an insight or wisdom into a situation you’ve been praying about or facing. The bottom line is, God is never late, never early, but always on time. It pays to consider that timely guidance!
Knowing this should give you great excitement and confidence on your journey with God through life! He has answers. He has insight. He has direction! By the same token, you can have all the answers in the world; but if you’re not listening, it does no good. God is speaking to you every day. With so much interference from the outside going on, sometimes it’s hard to hear His sweet voice. You may even think that God is not speaking to you, but He is. You have to learn to tune into His voice by turning down the volume of your mind and turning up the volume of your spirit when God speaks. Every morning, I start by reading His Word and then asking, “Is there anything I need to do today?” Sometimes, I don’t hear anything, and I go on with my day. But sometimes, I hear Him! And boy, it sure does pay to listen to His voice!
Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” God wants you to know His voice and follow it. We live in a busy, busy world with a lot of voices trying to speak into our lives. More than anything else, we need to listen for the voice of God and let His voice be the first voice we hear every morning. As you take the time to quiet your thoughts, pray to hear and know His voice and study His Word, His voice will become louder in your life.
When you listen to God’s voice and follow His leading, goodness and mercy will follow you! Psalm 23:3 says this amazing truth, “You restore my soul, O Lord, and guide me along right pathways for Your name’s sake.” I encourage you to declare it over your life each morning as you quiet your heart and listen to His voice. God has right pathways for you to journey on! Now it’s up to you to listen, follow Him and enjoy the fruit of walking in God’s best pathways for your life.
LISA COMES
The oldest daughter of John and Dodie Osteen, Lisa was healed at birth of a crippling condition similar to cerebral palsy, and as an adult, she miraculously survived the explosion of a pipe bomb in her office at Lakewood Church. Actively involved in outreach ministry since 1983, Lisa has been a Bible teacher for over 20 years. She is a graduate of Oral Roberts University and is married to Kevin Comes, Administrator of Lakewood Church. Lisa and Kevin are the parents of three children: twin daughters Catherine and Caroline, and son Christopher. For more articles, thoughts and notes from Lisa, please visit LisaComes.com.