Jesus: The One Who Speaks
PS BRENDEN BROWN | APRIL 26, 2026
In the frantic pace of 2026, our world is noisier than ever. Between the constant ping of notifications, the influx of opinions on social media, and the internal chatter of our own anxieties, it can feel nearly impossible to find clarity. Yet, the foundational truth of our faith remains: Our God is a God who speaks.
Communication is the heartbeat of any relationship. Just as we speak and listen to those we love, Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is constantly in communication with us. The question isn’t whether God is speaking; the question is: Is His voice our primary focus, or have we let the static of life drown Him out?
We Must Recognize and Know His Voice
In John 10:1-6, Jesus uses the imagery of the sheep and the shepherd to illustrate this intimate connection:
"Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice."
Think back thirty years ago to the era of corded telephones. When the phone rang, you didn't have a screen to tell you who was calling. You had to pick up the receiver and listen. If it was a loved one, you immediately felt joy and engaged in conversation. If it was a stranger, you were hesitant and questioning.
Today, the Lord has you on speed dial. As Jeremiah 33:3 reminds us, He is constantly calling out to us. He knows your personality, your upbringing, and your specific needs. As David wrote, God knows our thoughts even before we think them. Because He knows you best, His voice should be the primary frequency of your life.
The Four Voices in Our World
To discern God's direction, we must first identify the different "callers" vying for our attention:
The Voice of God: Aligns with Scripture and is never condemning. It reflects His character of love and truth, bringing peace, conviction, and clarity. It lifts you into your purpose and leads you closer to Jesus.
The Voice of the Enemy: Contradicts Scripture and distorts God’s character. It brings confusion, fear, and doubt, leading you away from your calling and toward a path of death.
The Voice of Others: It can include the voice of advice and counsel of family, friends, podcasts, and even pastors. While often helpful, these are human voices and can be misguided. They must always be tested against the Word, as only the Holy Spirit can truly change a heart.
The Voice of Self: Driven by our emotions, desires, and past experiences. This voice often seeks comfort over growth and needs to be surrendered to align with God’s truth.
What Are Different Ways You Can Hear From God?
1. SCRIPTURE: Does it align with God’s Word?
2 Timothy 3:16 tells us: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." This means the Bible is more than just a historical record; it is the literal "breath" of God preserved for us. Because God is consistent and unchanging, His personal whisper to your heart will never contradict His written Word.
Scripture serves as the ultimate "measuring rod" for every other voice we hear. In a world of shifting "truths" and subjective feelings, the Word provides an objective standard. If you receive a "word" or a feeling that violates the character of God or the commands of the Bible, you can immediately dismiss it as a counterfeit.
Think of the Bible as the original blueprint. When you are building your life and a new idea comes along, you must hold it up against that blueprint. If it doesn’t fit the foundation, it cannot be part of the structure. By immersing yourself in Scripture, you become so familiar with the "tone" of God's truth that even the most subtle lies become obvious. If it doesn’t align with the Word, it doesn’t come from the Lord.
2. JESUS: Does it reflect His character?
Hebrews 1:1–2 (NIV) explains: "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe." Jesus is the exact representation of the Father. If the "voice" doesn't sound like the nature of Christ, it isn't God.
3. THE SPIRIT: Is there Godly conviction and peace?
The Holy Spirit acts as our internal compass, translating the Word from ancient text into a living reality. As John 1:1-4, 14 (NIV) reminds us, the Word is life and light; when the Spirit speaks, He brings that light into our confusion.
Hearing the Spirit requires us to distinguish His voice from the noise of the world. The Spirit’s conviction is specific and hopeful, pointing us toward restoration, while the enemy’s condemnation is a heavy, vague weight intended to cause shame.
Ultimately, the Holy Spirit is peace. If a thought or direction makes you feel frantic, pressured, or panicked, it is likely not from Him. God is not the author of confusion; even when a path is difficult, His Spirit provides an underlying "settledness" in your soul that confirms, "This is the way; walk in it."
4. COMMUNITY: Is it confirmed by wise counsel?
Proverbs 11:14 states: "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers." God rarely speaks to us in total isolation because we are prone to "spiritual wishful thinking", mistaking our own strong desires for His divine will. To counter this, He uses the Body of Christ as a necessary guardrail, allowing spiritually mature mentors and friends to identify the blind spots created by our own emotions or biases. Community acts as a vital vibration check; if the peace you feel in your heart is truly from the Lord, it will usually be echoed by the peace in the hearts of those who walk closely with Him. If you believe God is leading you toward a major decision but every wise person in your life is raising "red flags," it is a signal to pause and pray. Godly counsel isn't meant to control you, but to protect you from the "noise" of your own impulses and help you confirm that you are truly tuned into the Shepherd’s frequency.
5. PROPHETS and PROPHETIC WORDS
God continues to use individuals to deliver timely, specific messages to His people. A true prophetic word should always comfort, encourage, or exhort, and most importantly, it must align perfectly with Scripture. Often, these words serve as a divine "confirmation" of something the Holy Spirit has already been stirring in your private prayer time, providing the confidence you need to move forward.
6. THROUGH DREAMS AND VISIONS
Throughout history, God has used the "night seasons" to bypass our logical defenses and speak directly to our spirits. When our busy minds are finally quiet, He can plant seeds of direction, warning, or encouragement through vivid imagery. Like any other "channel," dreams and visions should be processed through prayer and the Word to discern their true meaning and origin.
7. THROUGH CIRCUMSTANCES AND PROVIDENCE
Sometimes God speaks through the "open and closed doors" of our daily lives. While we shouldn't let circumstances alone dictate our faith, we can see God’s hand in the timing of events. Providence is the quiet, sovereign way God orchestrates the details of our journey, aligning meetings, opportunities, and even delays, to bring us exactly where He wants us to be.
8. THROUGH CREATION AND GENERAL REVELATION
Psalm 19:1 declares: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." As Romans 1:19-22 (NLT) reminds us, God’s nature is clearly seen through everything He has made. Whether it’s the vastness of the ocean or the intricate design of a flower, creation is a constant broadcast of God’s power, beauty, and presence, inviting us to look up from our screens and worship.
9. THROUGH ANGELS AND SUPERNATURAL ENCOUNTERS
While these moments may be rare, God occasionally sends messengers from the heavenly realm to deliver urgent news, provide protection, or give specific instructions. Whether these encounters happen in human form or through a supernatural sense of a presence, their mission is always the same: to fulfill God’s specific assignment and point us back to His sovereignty.
10. THROUGH CONSCIENCE
Your conscience is your internal moral compass. When calibrated by the Word of God, it serves as a "first responder" to our choices. That inner tugging or the sense of "oughtness" when faced with a decision is often the Lord’s way of guarding your heart and protecting your character before you take a step in the wrong direction.
11. THROUGH SILENCE
Sometimes, God’s most profound "word" is found in the stillness. Silence isn't God’s absence; it is often His invitation to move deeper. In the quiet, we are forced to strip away our own demands and simply "be" with Him. As we wait in the silence, we learn that He is the prize, and His presence is often more important than the answers we are seeking.
Aligning the Compass
Your story is unique, but the Holy Spirit is working to align all our internal compasses to the same Eternal North: Jesus. When we decide to be curious and open rather than defensive, the weights of the world begin to drop off. The distortions of the enemy and the pressure of social media lose their power. When Jesus speaks, His word is not just information, it is revelation that leads to our spiritual formation.
This week, take a moment to be still. Put down the phone, quiet the internal noise, and ask: "Lord, what are You saying?" He is already on the line, waiting for you to pick up. Remember the promise found in James 4:8: "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."
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