Since going through a difficult experience three years ago, I’ve battled subsequent bouts of intense anxiety and fear. Upon learning of my season of struggle, a dear friend encouraged me to memorize, meditate on, and embrace John 10. The passage, she explained, expounds on the Good Shepherd we have in Jesus and calls us to recognize and listen to His voice rather than voices of doubt, darkness, discouragement, and shame.
“He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out,” we read. “After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice” (John 10:3-5).
Two voices are described here. One is the voice of the Good Shepherd—Jesus. The other is the voice of anyone who pulls us away from Him.
The voices both speak to our hearts and minds, but following one or the other leads to drastically different destinations. The Good Shepherd uses His voice to lead people to salvation, freedom, “good pastures,” and “a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:3,9-10). The enemy’s voice leads away from truth and to deception and destruction. “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10).
Believers in Jesus are called to take every thought captive as we “obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). We can do this by feasting on Scripture, humbling ourselves before God in prayer, and asking, Are my thoughts lining up with what the Bible teaches? (Acts 17:11).
I’ve found that as I immerse myself in Scripture, I can hear the truth about God and the truth about me. His voice and presence gives us hope and calms our hearts.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Judges 4:4-24
More:
Read 2 Tim. 3:16-17 and consider how Scripture presents the heart and voice of God.
Next:
How have you experienced “a rich and satisfying life” as you’ve followed the Good Shepherd? How can you have confidence you’re recognizing God’s voice?
Gary Shultz on March 7, 2017 at 5:36 am
Hi Roxanne: I have not examined the passage lately; however, I think when we are reminded not to “turn back when we have put our hand to the plow”, huh scripture, I’m sure it could have implications as to how we work, but the looking back part is the killer. We become trapped by a burden we were not asked to carry, someone has stolen into the flock and drug us away. And you are absolutely correct that the word is the source of comfort and balance. We will remember, it’s how we remember. If we can look back and throw God grace to us “forward” we continue on, we stay secure and we thank God for His provision. If we are allowed to be dragged away, the ripping and tearing begins, lamb chops for the wolves. So, we stay invested in the Shepherd’s voice and He leads us through, even the valley of death, to places of rest and comfort. What and where would we be without the “Shepherd’s Voice”? Thanks Roxanne
godlove on March 7, 2017 at 8:40 am
Roxanne, thanks for sharing your personal doubts and weaknesses with us. I always appreciate you ODJ and ODB writers sharing your real-life experiences with us, it’s comforting to know that you are also humans with flesh and blood like we the readers 🙂 God’s Voice in Scripture undoubtedly gives me hope in all circumstances. If by “rich and satisfying” you mean living with the peace of mind that comes from the knowledge that God is in control over all things and therefore I need not worry (too much) about anything, then it’s a big YES for me. I added too much later because sometimes the flesh wants to do its own thing which is contrary to the Spirit living in us but seeking the Good Shepherd in prayer and Scripture reading is always enough to calm me. It follows then that my confidence that the Voice I’m recognising is God’s Voice comes from the sense of peace and calm I get when I hear it.
hsnpoor on March 7, 2017 at 11:50 am
I want a sheep; they are so adorably cute, with their lipless, brainless selves!
minkjh on March 7, 2017 at 1:38 pm
Roxanne, I especially like your thought “I immerse myself in scripture”. God has revealed Himself to us through His inspired, infallible, and inerrant voice as recorded in the Bible. But it all goes for naught unless we choose to take the plunge and allow it to give us the nourishment we so desperately need. When we embrace 2 Timothy 2:15 then 3:16-17 will follow.
crossman61 on March 7, 2017 at 3:28 pm
Thank You Roxanne , for giving us an example of your real life experience . That’s not easy for most to do . I know its not for me anyways ! I have experienced anxiety for a season also . Maybe not as bad as some do . But back then I thought it would never end . And when I look back at that dark time in my life I know the Only way I kept my sanity was because I was in Gods Word Daily . I would be up all hours of the night reading and studying what I use to call back then was . Our Manual to Life . The Bible. Jesus is Our Savior from ourselves at times . I could have self destructed back then . That would Not have been good . I don’t even like to talk about them days , or think about it . WOW Thank You Lord.