Discovering God's True Voice Amidst Life's Noise

 

Summary

In this heartfelt conversation, I reflect on the profound journey of discovering the true voice of God amidst the noise of self-imposed expectations and societal pressures. Growing up with my sister, Barbara, we shared a deep bond, and her presence has been a source of comfort and strength, especially during challenging times. This discussion delves into the essence of our understanding of God, as highlighted by Dallas Willard and A.W. Tozer, emphasizing that our true perception of God often lies beneath layers of conventional religious notions and requires a sincere and sometimes painful introspection to unearth.

Barbara shares her personal journey of grappling with the voice inside her head that she mistakenly believed was God's. This voice, which constantly urged her to do more and be more, was a reflection of her addiction to giving and serving, a trait that had become a crutch for her self-worth. When she hit a wall and could no longer give, she was forced to confront this voice, which led to a period of depression—a gift in disguise that allowed her to take a sabbatical from her addiction to giving.

During this time, Barbara learned to discern the true voice of God, which was not the demanding, critical voice she had always served. Instead, she discovered a voice of peace and love, encouraging her to rest and be careless in the presence of God's love. This journey involved fasting from her compulsion to give and learning to feast on self-care and rest, which she had previously denied herself. Through this process, she rewrote the narrative of her life, moving from a place of carefulness to one of carelessness in God's love, finding joy and freedom in the process.

Key Takeaways:

- Our perception of God is often buried under conventional religious notions, requiring a sincere and sometimes painful introspection to uncover the true image of God. This journey is essential for aligning our thoughts with the true being of God. [02:28]

- The voice inside our heads that we often mistake for God's can be a reflection of societal pressures and personal insecurities. It is crucial to discern this voice and seek the true voice of God, which is characterized by peace and love. [06:59]

- Sometimes, God allows us to experience challenges, such as depression, as a means to break free from unhealthy patterns and addictions. These experiences can be gifts that lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and God. [05:29]

- Fasting from our compulsions and feasting on self-care and rest can be a spiritual practice that leads to healing and transformation. This process involves letting go of societal expectations and embracing God's unconditional love. [09:14]

- True spiritual growth involves being honest with God about our emotions and thoughts, moving from a place of carefulness to one of carelessness in His love. This shift allows us to experience joy and freedom in our relationship with God. [11:10]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:36] - Introduction to the Conversation
- [01:02] - Childhood Memories with Barbara
- [01:28] - Support During Difficult Times
- [02:07] - The Gift of Laughter
- [02:18] - The Importance of Our Idea of God
- [03:10] - Unearthing Our True Beliefs
- [03:38] - Barbara's Personal Journey
- [04:20] - Childhood Songs and Their Impact
- [05:02] - The Addiction to Giving
- [05:29] - The Gift of Depression
- [06:07] - Confronting the Inner Voice
- [07:13] - Discerning God's True Voice
- [08:08] - Experiencing God's Peace
- [09:01] - Fasting and Feasting in God's Love
- [10:14] - Rewriting the Narrative
- [11:37] - Final Reflections and Encouragement

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
2. Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
3. Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Romans 12:2 suggest about the transformation of our minds and its importance in discerning God's will?
2. In Matthew 11:28-30, what does Jesus promise to those who are weary and burdened? How does this relate to Barbara's experience of finding rest in God's love? [09:01]
3. How does Psalm 46:10 encourage us to approach our understanding of God and His presence in our lives?

Interpretation Questions:
1. How might societal pressures and personal insecurities cloud our perception of God's true voice, as discussed in the sermon? [06:59]
2. What does it mean to "fast from our compulsions and feast on self-care and rest" in the context of spiritual growth? How does this align with the biblical concept of Sabbath rest? [09:14]
3. How can the experience of depression be seen as a "gift" that leads to a deeper understanding of oneself and God, according to the sermon? [05:29]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you mistook societal expectations for God's voice. How did you discern the difference, and what steps can you take to better recognize God's true voice in the future? [06:59]
2. Consider the areas in your life where you feel compelled to give or serve excessively. How can you incorporate periods of rest and self-care to ensure a balanced spiritual life? [09:14]
3. Have you ever experienced a challenging period that later revealed itself as a gift for personal growth? How did it change your understanding of God and yourself? [05:29]
4. In what ways can you practice being "careless" in God's love, as Barbara described, and what impact might this have on your relationship with God? [10:14]
5. Identify a specific societal expectation or personal insecurity that you struggle with. How can you bring this to God in prayer and seek His peace and guidance? [08:08]
6. How can you apply the principle of "fasting from compulsions" in your daily life to foster spiritual growth and transformation? [09:01]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to "be still" and know God more deeply, as encouraged in Psalm 46:10?

Devotional

Day 1: Uncovering the True Image of God
Our perception of God is often clouded by conventional religious notions and societal expectations. These layers can obscure the true nature of God, making it difficult to align our thoughts with His true being. To truly understand God, one must engage in sincere and sometimes painful introspection. This journey involves peeling back the layers of preconceived ideas and confronting the misconceptions that have been ingrained over time. By doing so, individuals can discover a more authentic and personal understanding of God, one that is rooted in truth rather than tradition. [02:28]

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: What preconceived notions about God might be clouding your understanding of His true nature? How can you begin to peel back these layers today?


Day 2: Discerning the True Voice of God
The voice inside our heads that we often mistake for God's can be a reflection of societal pressures and personal insecurities. This voice may demand more from us, urging us to meet unrealistic expectations. However, the true voice of God is characterized by peace and love, not by criticism or demands. It is crucial to discern this voice, separating it from the noise of the world and our own insecurities. By seeking the true voice of God, individuals can find a sense of peace and assurance that transcends the chaos of everyday life. [06:59]

"And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper." (1 Kings 19:12, ESV)

Reflection: What voices in your life are you mistaking for God's? How can you create space to hear His true voice today?


Day 3: Embracing Challenges as Gifts
Sometimes, God allows us to experience challenges, such as depression, as a means to break free from unhealthy patterns and addictions. These experiences, though difficult, can be gifts that lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and God. By confronting these challenges, individuals can gain insight into their own behaviors and motivations, ultimately leading to personal growth and spiritual transformation. Embracing these challenges as opportunities for growth can help individuals develop a more resilient and authentic faith. [05:29]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: What current challenge in your life might God be using to help you grow? How can you embrace it as a gift today?


Day 4: Fasting from Compulsions, Feasting on Rest
Fasting from our compulsions and feasting on self-care and rest can be a spiritual practice that leads to healing and transformation. This process involves letting go of societal expectations and embracing God's unconditional love. By taking a step back from the constant demands of life, individuals can find a sense of peace and renewal in God's presence. This practice encourages individuals to prioritize their well-being and spiritual health, allowing them to experience the fullness of God's love and grace. [09:14]

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29, ESV)

Reflection: What compulsion can you fast from today to make room for God's rest and love? How can you prioritize self-care in your spiritual journey?


Day 5: Moving from Carefulness to Carelessness in God's Love
True spiritual growth involves being honest with God about our emotions and thoughts, moving from a place of carefulness to one of carelessness in His love. This shift allows individuals to experience joy and freedom in their relationship with God. By letting go of the need to control and manage every aspect of their spiritual lives, individuals can embrace the freedom that comes from trusting in God's love and grace. This journey towards carelessness in God's love is marked by a deep sense of peace and assurance, knowing that they are fully accepted and loved by God. [11:10]

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you being overly careful? How can you begin to trust in God's love and embrace a sense of carelessness today?

Quotes

Our real idea of God may be buried under the rubbish of conventional religious notions, may require an intelligent and vigorous search before it is finally unearthed and exposed for what it is. Only after an ordeal of painful self-promoting wow are we likely to discover what we actually believe about God. [00:03:06]

I realized I have been careful with God my whole life, and I love giving and serving, but any strength taken to an extreme is a weakness, and it really was my addiction. Also, it was the way that I felt good about myself, and it was what I did when I felt anxious about something. [00:04:49]

God gave me the gift of a depression. In fact, I remember hearing, I remember saying to him I just wish I could have a year sabbatical, a year off. Nancy called it, we were going to call it the year of me, and I was going to take a year, and my counselor at the time said, honey, I'd be happy if you took half a day once a month. [00:05:22]

What happened was when I couldn't give, the voice that I've been trying to quiet all my life got so much louder, and I found out what I really thought God was saying to me. I would sometimes have to go in a closet and make a little bed in there and stay for a day. [00:05:54]

The voice got so loud, and I would write down what this voice in my head was saying to me, and it was always things like you should do more, don't be selfish, don't disappoint anybody, don't let anybody down, why aren't you getting more, why aren't you doing more. It was always not enough, not enough. [00:06:24]

I have thought that voice was God until it got so loud that it was idiotic, ridiculous to think it was God. When it was soft enough, it was like, yeah, God is nudging me, God is, you know, he's telling me to think of others, he's telling me to do all those good things. [00:07:10]

I learned over and over again that those words weren't God's, and the way I could tell it wasn't like he said something verbally to me, but when I would think, God, I think these might not be your words, I would get this deep peace, like my whole body, my bones would just sink. [00:08:02]

He taught me to fast from the very thing, talking about Lenten fasting and feasting, to fast from the very thing that I thought he was telling me to do, which was to give to others, and for a whole year I really didn't give anything to anybody. I didn't even want to talk on the phone. [00:09:01]

He taught me to feast on the very things I thought I should fast from, like to eat, I enjoyed it a little too much, and sleeping, I would take naps every day, I would take care of myself, and he taught me to feast on the very things that I'd spent a lifetime thinking I shouldn't indulge in. [00:09:34]

I learned to rewrite my little be careful song that it starts with the father up above is looking down in love, so be careless, don't have any care about what you see, little eyes, or where you go, little feet, be careless because your father up above is looking down in love. [00:10:00]

I still have to struggle every day, well, not every day, but more many days with hearing the old voice and thinking, okay, I recognize my insides are getting churned up instead of more relaxed, and from the book I learned to ask the question, if I continue thinking this way, will it lead me closer to God or further from God. [00:10:24]

I thought I had a great handle on grace and who God was, and I knew exactly what Dallas said, I knew it in my head what was the right way, but that wasn't what was happening inside of me, and I'd spent a lifetime trying to please him and be careful with him, and he said instead, feast and be careless. [00:11:03]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?