Hearing God’s Still Small Voice in a Noisy World

Sharon JaynesMamma Moments with God, Motherhood, Prayer, Praying for Your Child 117 Comments

I watched a gaggle of eight-year-olds play a game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey. One was blindfolded, spun around in circles, and then pointed in the direction of a donkey posted on the wall. As she made her way toward where she thought the donkey was waiting, her friends yelled out which way she should go.

“Move to the right!”

“Move to the left!”

“You’re getting cold!”

“Now you’re getting warmer!’

“Go up a little!”

Some of the voices intentionally tried to mislead her, but I could tell she was trying to pick out the voice of her closest friend, someone she could trust. After returning the donkey’s tail to its rightful position, or pretty close to it, she removed her blindfold to see if she had chosen correctly.

This made me wonder, whose voice am I listening to today?

Here’s a truth: The voice we listen to will determine the path we take and the decisions we make.

The Bible says that we are in a spiritual battle with the world, the flesh, and the devil (Ephesians 2:2-3). All three are whispering to lead us in the opposite direction of where God wants us to go. When I say whispering, I’m not talking about an audible voice, but an inner inkling.

How do we tell if the voice we’re hearing is the world’s, the flesh (the way we’ve been programed to get our needs met apart from Christ), the devil’s, or God’s?

By knowing the Truth of Scripture.

What are the world’s voices? They are the voices of the temporary values that oppose the life of Christ in the believer—human systems that oppose God’s purposes. 

From the time we are born, we are programmed by the world around us. From movies to media, education to entertainment, and friends and family, we are pushed to fit into cultural norms and expectations. As long as we are in the world, we will have the tension of discerning whether the wooing we hear is from God or from the world.

Jesus prayed for you and me: “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth (John 17:16-17 NIV).

All through John chapters 14-17, Jesus prays for us to be in the world but not of the world—not persuaded by world systems and ideas. Here are a few differences.

  • The world says weakness is unacceptable.
  • God’s voice says when you are weak, the power of the Holy Spirit in you will make you strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)
  • The world says get all you can.
  • God’s voice says give to everyone who asks. (Matthew 6:30)
  • The world says claim your rights.
  • God’s voice says give up your rights. (Philippians 2:5-11)
  • The world says only the strong survive.
  • God’s voice says only those who depend on Him will thrive. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
  • The world makes decisions based on common sense.
  • God’s voice tells us to make decisions based on His Word.  (Psalm 119:105)
  • The world says this is as good as it gets.
  • God’s voice says the best is yet to come. (John 3:16)
  • The world says seek happiness in your circumstances.
  • God’s voice says seek joy despite your circumstances. (James 1:2-4)

Some of the mostly worldly people during the time of Christ were the Romans.  Paul wrote to the church in Rome, “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” (Romans 12:2 NIV).

I love how Peterson paraphrased that verse in The Message: “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.”

So, whose voice are you going to listen to today? If we listen to the right voice, we will make the right choice.

Father God, help me to listen to the right voices today. Give me wisdom to shut out the voices of the world, the flesh and the devil and to let in the voice of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, amen

Let’s pray for each other today. Click on comment and leave your short prayer request. Then pray for the person below you.

Do you find yourself longing to hear God’s voice – not as a once-in-a-lifetime experience but on a daily basis? Do you have a desire to see His fingerprints on the pages of your busy everyday life?

When I pore over the pages of Scripture, I discover that some of God’s most memorable messages were not delivered while men and women were away on a spiritual retreat but right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. He spoke to Moses while he was tending sheep, to Gideon while he was threshing wheat, to the woman at the well while she was drawing water for her housework. It is not a matter of if He speaks, but will we listen. Learn more about how to hear His still small voice in Becoming a Woman who Listens to God.

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Comments 117

    1. I am praying for you for trust for housing for you and your sister in law for housing where God wants you to be and where you will feel safe and a place you can afford.

  1. Pray my strength in communication with my husband and he with me. That we seek God first when processing our emotions and actions towards one another.

    1. I know what this is like and have been where you are. I am praying for you both for wisdom, understanding and patience as you navigate this difficult part of marriage. Also that you will reach out to someone you can trust and has navigated this in their own life.
      Love in Christ,
      Cheri

  2. Santo Deus, muito obrigada por me amar e proteger. Por favor, diz-me o que Você quer que eu faça da minha vida? E ajuda-me a fazer. Amém.

    1. Me too Patti. I am lonely and need a person to share my life with beyond sharing with my groups online. I need the encouragement I receive from these groups and love to give encouragement, but I miss having a true personal friend.

      1. Dear Kim and Patti, Take Jesus as your personal best friend and soon you will find what you seek. I too wish for more friendship in my life. Isolation is not good so keep doing what you can to be out with healthy people and pray about it and talk to God and I believe we will all see the answer. I will pray for you today, please pray for me too! My love, Shelley

    2. I truly understand that. I will pray that our Lord will bring you Godly sisters and brothers to be your friends/ Christian companions. May he supply your need for Christian friends to share your journey with.

    1. It’s hard to find someone who’s equally aligned outside of this platform. We so appreciate each other and do long for a connection with someone we can just sit and share our hearts over coffee or whatever. We will join together in prayer. Maybe today will be that day! Lord, we trust and wait for Your intervention. Thank you in advance. ❤️🙏

  3. You are the best read . I look forward to seeing your devotional. Please pray for my Mom at 94 nothing seems to please her, never has
    I am so tired I never do anything to please her never have. Thank you

  4. Today I ask for prayer for my work place. Things are out of sorts, stressful and chaotic. I pray for things to be sorted out so the processes and procedures run smoothly and we have a reasonable work load. And that there will be peace, harmony and a pleasant atmosphere and environment.

  5. Please pray that my son, Timothy Paul, will listen to the voice of God—the wise voice of the Holy Spirit—concerning choices and decision-making for his life.
    Isaiah 30:21-“You will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

  6. Dear God …
    Please be with my family and keep them safe. And help me to find the peace and contentment that I long for.
    Through you and in you.
    In Jesus name we pray 🙏

  7. Pray that my weaknesses will be an opportunity for Christ to work in and through me and that I will know where He is leading me next.

  8. Pray that I can regroup to get healthy again and not turn to food for my source of comfort during this season of grieving the loss of my father. I am overwhelmed with the responsibility of going through all his things and I long to return to a little bit more normal. I have to trust God in ALL THINGS.

  9. May I continue to listine to God voice and not the voices of the world, the devil and the flesh in Jesus Mighty name Amen 🙏

  10. Father God .. I first come before You with Thanksgiving … giving all Honor Glory and Praise to You .. asking that You order my steps today as I repent of my sins and ask to that You cleanse me of all unrighteousness … my prayer today is for my brother (whose name you know) that You will heal him from the top of his head to the soles of his feet on this side of Glory if it be Your Will … if not, please strengthen us for the journey .. help him and us not to be afraid .. comfort in a way that Only You can comfort .. and help us to find peace in Your decision. Thank You Lord as I as that You would stop by and check on all the sick and in-firmed, heal as Only you can heal .. Your Word tells us that Healing is the children’s bread and by Your stripes we are healed and Dear God I Thank You for that .. as I seal my prayer with Praise to You … it is In The Mighty Name Of Jesus that I pray … Amen 🙏🏾

  11. Praying and asking God to bring my adult children back to him , in his word and out of the way of the world. Healing ❤️‍🩹 over my marriage.

    1. Father God as I stand and touch in agreement with Amelia concerning her marriage and her adult children .. I ask that You Lord would touch the hearts of Amelia’s children and show up in their lives today in such a special way that there will be no doubt it is You Lord and they will run to You wanting a right relationship with You Father, I ask You to cover Amelia’s Children as well ad her marriage with the Precious Blood Of Jesus and raise up a standard against the enemy concerning Amelia’s family … give them rest, Peace, and a Hope in You .. this I ask In Jesus Name … Amen 🙏🏾

  12. Please pray that I may keep up in my job today. And that in doing so I experience minimal pain and can remember to work for the Lord.

  13. Dear Heavenly Father,
    I pray for my grandson and that he will have a successful school year. Help him to strengthen those skills where he is weak. Instill in him a more positive attitude towards school and may his teachers pour into him everything he needs to help him have a successful school year. In Jesus’s name, Amen

    1. I feel your pain. We moved here to 15 acres 21 yrs ago and now in our 60’s it is becoming too much. But the thought of moving again is unbearable.
      Jesus, please be with Jacque in her move and give her strength and peace to accomplish it.
      Blessings ❤️

  14. Dear Lord, guide my heart, mind and mouth today, give me discernment, as I tackle some complicated business communications with others today.

  15. Holy Spirit, lead me each day towards the will of God, in my thoughts, in my actions and in my words. Today and every day help me hear and follow your voice. Guide me to employment that will help my family better financially and myself physically or help me discern if I am where I am meant to be and find what I need there. In Jesus name, Amen

    I see my prayer for myself mirrors the prayer of V. Please guide V daily in your will. Help V hear and follow your voice and help us both find Joy in the Journey in communion with you and our brothers and sisters of faith. Amen

  16. Please Jesus, help me to walk in your Spirit, trust you, and give me a hunger for your word that I may know you better and find your purpose for my life.

  17. Even after 57 years of marriage and 50 years in the Faith. I struggle with, “ In Ephesians 5:33, Paul says, ” … let the wife see that she respects her husband.” When you respect your husband you notice him, regard him, honor him, prefer him, and esteem him. It means valuing his opinion, admiring his wisdom and character, appreciating his commitment to you, and considering his needs and values”. It is a big request and I fail constantly, it isn’t that I’m looking elsewhere or anything like that but I guess it boils down to I don’t have enough trust in my husband. And in saying that, am I also saying that I also don’t trust God. I know the plans he has always had for me are for my good, not to harm. Am I just rebellious to the word of God?

    1. Faye
      I will pray for you, your husband and your marriage. I’ll ask God to help you love and respect your husband like He wants you to. Your husband needs your respect the same way you need husband love. If you ask God to help you love and respect your husband, I can guarantee that He will do it because that is something He wants you to do. I’m putting you on my marriage prayer list today. God bless.

  18. I ask for prayers for my son’s mental, emotional and physical healing (from drug addiction.) I have prayed for him for three decades, and I am claiming that with prayers and continued trust the Lord will heal him in His time, Still it is very tough for me because He has taken such a long time in answering my prayer for my son’s healing. 🙏

  19. Father, I come to you Lord in the name of Jesus to pray for all my sisters who have so openly cried out to you this morning. Father you see and hear every prayer, You know the needs that are spoken, written as well as the ones not written and the secret ones of their hearts. Father Bless them, heal them, comfort them, strengthen them, comfort them, keep them. Lord there is nothing impossible for you!! In the matchless name of Jesus I pray. Amen!!!

  20. Please pray for me to have a loving relationship with my daughter in law. May our disappointments be washed away so we can begin anew. In Jesus’s name I pray. Thank you.

  21. Prayers for clarity for the “new thing” God wants/is doing in this season of my life, I’m open and willing to do and be better, in Jesus name. Amen. Thank you for your prayers.

  22. Praying for peace and joy in the midst of the storm our family is going through right now! Thank you sweet Jesus for hearing our prayers 🙏😇

  23. Praying for peace and direction in this chapter of life. To whole heartedly trust that your provision will always sustain in all circumstances. For better communication with my husband of 54 years and to protect my 2 grown girls in their daily lives. Thank you for answered prayers 🙏

  24. Prayers to help me endure a disrespectful and loud neighbor. He loves being evil. Places bad signs and plastic rats facing my property.

  25. Prayer for decision-making concerning stubborn, elderly parent. Prayer for youngest adult offspring to seek and listen for God’s voice. Prayer for finding the right low-maintenance home God has for dh & I

  26. I ask for prayer my daughter and son-in-law in their new marriage that they would look to God. That he would draw them back to himself for his glory. Bring strong Christians into their lives. In Jesus Holy name.

  27. Ladies, urgent prayers for my son Walker that he will choose to get off prescription drugs, pot and alcohol and seek God and treatment. I know God is with me, but I am scared for his life.

    1. I am praying for you. Lord, let Pippi hear your voice above all others. Direct her through your word and help her to find those that have Godly wisdom to speak truth into her life. Help her to seek out someone who can stand with her and be a source of comfort. Amen.
      Love in Jesus,
      Cheri

  28. Please pray for my eldest sister who is seeing a doctor in just a few moments. The reports will be life changing for the family. Please pray for wisdom, compassion and kindness for the doctor and strength and comfort for my sister and our family. We know that God is able and we praise Him for His goodness.

  29. I’m asking for prayer for my mind. I’ve been attracted to a man who is not my husband. I’ve confessed it to my husband and my accountability partner, and the thoughts keep coming to my mind. God is helping me to cast them out and I’m tired of continuing in this battle. I pray the enemy would stop attacking me.
    Thank you for your prayers!

  30. Pray God will send his wisdom, guidance and healing to my son and daughter. God you know all that they needs and most of all you.
    Pray for those that need your comfort today..

  31. Sharon~ I have taken Bible studies in small groups in past years, using your books! I have moved away and do not have the same kind of small group access as I had before. So after searching I found your weekly devotions and L❤️VE them! And have been following you for years!
    I have never replied to any prayer requests/or comments to anyone before today, but I had to try today!
    I saw the post from Coy Weldon @ 7:05am today August 27, 2024 as follows:
    “You are the best read. I look forward to seeing your devotional. Please pray for my mom at 94 nothing seems to please her never has. I am so tired. I never do anything to please her never have. Thank You. Signed Coy Weldon”

    I had to respond because this is almost parallel to my relationship with my mother (aged 90) since I was 16 years old.
    So much talk recently about narcissistic behavior I think that’s what my mom has been/ doing to me. We are actually not on speaking terms at the moment (but has happened many times in our turbulent past!)
    I hope you may respond to me with helpful hints/ suggestions that you would also respond to Coy Weldon as well?
    I’m at the point of giving up hope to try again ( after many times before with no success!)
    Thank You for sharing with us your special touches and wisdom that we know comes directly from God to you to share with us!🙏✝️
    Signed Pam Janson — email: pam-mel @msn.com (note: all small letters)
    Thanks Again! God Bless You!

  32. Lord I n ed so much healing within myself and my family. We are overwhelmed and don’t know where to even start . Please direct use in our steps help use to discern who is here to help and who is not. Place you hedge of protection around us and wisdom to make the right choices. In Jesus name amen

  33. Please lift a prayer for my 93 yrs old Mom for a revealing & successful doc appointment tomorrow. We have many concerns including dementia issues & ask God’s wisdom for Mom. May every precious need mentioned today be laid at the feet of Jesus who’s interceding for us!! Amen

  34. Please pray for me as I am having a hard time in my relationship. I pray God speaks to both of us what he would have us do and how we can be better to each other and communicate better.

  35. Please pray for my family and I.
    We continue to struggle with powers and principalities that are trying to prevent us from walking in our purpose. Each time we get over a hurdle another one comes up. We are however still trusting God in this season and always!

  36. Please pray for my son who desperately needs a better paying job so he can provide for his family. Thank you so much for praying! Connie

  37. My husband can continue his chaplaincy education, for free, and get paid, with a year residency in another city, 2 hours away. We are older, our kids are all grown, 2 of the 3 out on their own. He would be leaving our youngest and me at home when he goes, because our son is in community college and I am working full time.. Many obstacles have thrown been thrown at us, including how my parents will react, problems with the vehicles and the house, and other things that he normally takes care of for our family.
    When he was given this job I was excited! And I also thought he might find another job in the months in between getting it and actually starting it. Now I am having anxiety, scary dreams, hearing noises at night (and he is still at home!). I told him that it would be very easy for me to say, “Stay”, but I don’t want to be that deciding factor. We have made decisions in the past that we wish we could change, and I don’t want this to be another one. His prayer has been, if my wife is all right with this, I will do it. I don’t want that on me…it’s so hard.

  38. Please pray God helps me through these new changes in my life. Me going back to school, pray for my housing situation & finances & Please pray for peace within my family. Thank you so very much for your prayers. God Bless!

  39. Prayers that God will fill my heart with His peace, His Love and Joy and I hear His voice as He directs my steps. That I wait on Him and mot try to make things go my way. May I remember to trust God for He knows what is best for me

  40. Pam and Coy,
    I know all to well what your going through. Being a daughter and caregiver plus holding a job and family of my own. My parents expected me to drop whatever I had going at the drop of their call. They seemed to be like little children and I constantly said Father you are my strength and my stronghold in whom I put all my trust. I’m sure in my parents eyes that I failed them many times but I knew that God Knew I was giving all I had. I would remind my Momma that God can see every action and that I was sorry I let her down at times. But at the end of watching and being beside their bed as they passed on to Heaven all was forgiven and it was all about our love for each other and for their souls to be rejoicing with our Father above. No more pain, no more sorry. As hard as we strive to please it just might not be good enough in their little minds. Just keep doing what God leads you to do. Always say I love you. When God says it is finished you can’t have that time back. I miss my parents everyday, I know the toll it took on my 70 year old body but with God all things are possible. I hope in some small way this helps. I ask in the name of Jesus you find your strength and comfort that you need in caring for your parent. I believe in the times we are living in everyone seems to be suffering going through the valley looking to get to the mountain top.
    I am having major health issues now and I cling to the old rugged cross. God is able to all things
    In Christ, Anita

  41. Please pray for Allison who is experiencing complications in her pregnancy. The baby’s life is in danger. Please pray for her body to nourish her baby and to help him develop to a safe weight for surgery and a swift — and healthy recovery — in the time he’ll spend in NICU. Thank you!

  42. I have been saved since I was 22, I’m now 70 but don’t look or feel it. Lately I feel like I lost my salvation. I know I can’t because the Bible says “once you’re saved, you’re always saved”. But I feel so empty. I read the Bible daily and I started reading it several times throughout the day. I pray to God about the way I feel but I feel like he isn’t listening. I know Satan tells me a lot of negative things and I keep telling him to leave me alone. I prayed last night for God to take control of my life. Satan keeps trying to attack me. When he does I pray for God to get him away from me. So I really need your prayer and maybe some advice.

  43. I pray for Gods supernatural Peace in the chaos and fears of my worldly inner voice
    I pray that I KNOW the still small voice of Father God. That I can rest and abide in Him and He in Me. I pray that anxiety, fear and panic attacks go in Jesus Name and I hear and know my purpose moment by moment moving forward in God directed confidence, to know His Love and to Love and support others….in His Strength Amen.

  44. I pray for guidance and wisdom on how to share your words and love with my daughter’s and grandchildren and have a better relationship with them. In Jesus name…. Amen

  45. I pray for guidance and wisdom on how to share your words and love with my daughter’s and grandchildren and have a better relationship with them.

  46. My church congregation has been undergoing a significant change in leadership and many of the recent leaders have been hurt and insulted. Two leaders have been told they have to leave the church, the one they grew up in and have ardently supported for their entire lives. They have had their share of mistakes, but who hasn’t? The current leadership is unyielding and very set in how things should be moving. I agree with some of the views, but not all of them. I left the church for now and have joined in with the church members who have moved into a barn to worship. It is wonderful and I’ve been very comfortable and welcomed. I do miss the church in some instances, so I feel torn. My heart and soul are in a state of unrest and uncertainity. Please lift me up in prayer, that I will tune in more to God and the Holy Spirit, rather than the voices of others.

  47. I usually don’t but I would like to request prayer here for me and my family. I feel like we are under spiritual attack again, and we have been sick lately it just won’t let up.
    Thank you for your prayers

  48. Please pray for me and my husband of over 40 years. The last 10 years I’ve believed that God is moving us on from our church of 20 years and to down size our house. We’ve found a great church and am starting feel contacted there. I’m retiring from special education teaching of over 30 years, in December. We ask for wisdom in this next season and to find the right house. We’d value your prayers.

  49. Pray for the families that my son hit and injured while driving drunk, that they regain health and healing.
    Pray for my son that he humbles himself and stays steadfast in his recovery.

    1. Lord Jesus I pray that Patty’s son would be rid of his addictions and bad habits. I pray that you would open his heart to You and Your goodness. Heal him from this addiction and disease and turn his heart over to you in Jesus’s name. I pray for healing over everyone involved. Emotional, physical and mental healing. Spiritual healing, as well. Place your hands and blessings on everyone involved in the accident and in Patty’s sons life. In Jesus’s mighty name- amen.

  50. Dear Father please be with all these people who need You so desperately. Oh my Jesus You are God Almighty! Please stop satan’s attacks, You love Your children. You desire all to be healthy and whole. Please place Your loving and merciful Hand on each one so they will have strong bodies and loving hearts. Unite families and allow peace to rule in the home. Help all to know Your commands and have willing spirits to serve You and love each other. Through Christ Jesus our Lord.🙏

  51. Please pray for me as I lead our Ladies Bible Study using Sharon’s book Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God. Last year we used one of Sharon’s books and we love the way she teaches through everyday experiences while standing fast to the truth in God’s Word. We are a small Bible believing church and enjoy getting together over God’s perfect word.

  52. Prayers please. I have been in a court battle for almost 3 years with my ex husband. First divorce (he left me and our two daughters for his coworker) and now a second custody/parenting time battle. He’s made it very clear to the judge, an investigator and everyone involved that he only wants 50/50 custody so his child support will lesson- he’s very money motivated, and not actually motivated for time with his children. It’s been very hard financially, spiritually, and emotionally on me. It has also been very hard on our now 3 year old and 4 year old daughters. Abuse has happened by him, and many other things. I keep praying the judge and system will see him as he is and allow me to still be the primary parent and have sole custody. And of course, for God’s peace no matter the outcome. We have mediation and court in the next few months and I have anxiety about how things will go but trying so hard to trust in God. Please prat for my kids and I, my finances and for protection. Thank you everyone! And sending prayers your way as well!

  53. Father God,
    I pray for these beautiful people who look to you for guidance and strength. May you give them strength in their resolve to drown out the noise and only hear your voice. In Jesus, Amen

  54. Please pray for my sister Sally. She has a medical condition. She seems so far away from God. She can be difficult. Sometimes I forget that she has a medical condition and argue with her back and forth. I tried being nice to her for 1 day. She seems to be gentler and kinder. I showed her how I cared about her by hanging up her clothes on the clothes line. We had a better relationship. My ladies bible study pray for her salvation.

  55. Praying to hear God’s voice in regards to my future , my finances , my job , my business and my singing ministry. I only want to move in his will. But I’m afraid of doing my own thing. Need clarity

  56. Praying for God’s guidance as I approach retirement with an insufficient pension. I need help in finding a part time job to fill the gap

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