Is the Shepherd Speaking?
Over the years, I find summer is an excellent time to revisit the goals and plans set out at the beginning of the year. It helps encourage me with whatever progress I'm making and determine the necessary adjustments required in areas where I may be stuck. This summer is no different; only life seems more complicated. This year, I must take many more options and considerations before the Good Shepherd. After all, He is the One leading and guiding my way forward. If I hope to venture in the right direction, I must connect with Him and ask.
I hear you wondering: But Ed, how can you be sure you are hearing His voice and not just your own?
If you read Becoming a Face of Grace: Navigating Lasting Relationship with God and Others, you'll notice an article at the back of the book that may help you discern the answer to your question. It is entitled, "Is the Shepherd Speaking?"
Psalm 23 describes God as our Good Shepherd. A shepherd leads and guides his sheep in various ways—they know his voice and can identify his manner. As part of His flock, you and I can expect God's personal and unique direction in our lives, too. So how can we know if He is speaking? By staying close to His grace, you and I will begin to recognize the characteristics of any word we receive. It will
Pass "The Shalom Test."
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were called in one body; and be thankful. - Colossians 3:15
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - John 14:27
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. - Ephesians 4:1-3
Be consistent with Scripture.
Reflect the character and nature of God revealed in Scripture and His people.
Enhance grace-based relationship and foster the growth of new ones with God and others. Generally, it will not break relationship if at all possible.
Mirror biblical wisdom.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. - James 3:13-18
Encourage and comfort—not condemn.
Not be toxic if it is a word of correction but will lead to the growth of grace-based relationship.
Be consistent with what God has already been speaking to you.
Respect and honor His established authority in your life.
Mirror God's work in His people over time and not develop new doctrines.
Feel like a spontaneous conversation with someone you love. By experiencing and practicing listening to His voice, your sense of this will become stronger.
Offer confirmation through circumstances. By themselves, circumstances are a bad guidance system. But, God may speak in ways consistent with our current situation or confirm His words through external circumstances.
Reveal God's perfect, non-anxious timing. God's timing is not anxious, hurried, or rushed. He is patient, and His words lead to peace.
Interacting with God helps you and me learn to hear and test what God has to say to us personally. No one can—or should—take His place in our lives. The practice of connecting with the Shepherd helps our relationship grow deeper and more mature. In healthy spiritual communities, kind of growth is something we can encourage in one another, too.
Watch for upcoming blogs to examine some of these items more closely.