Protecting Our Hearts and Minds Through Discernment
Listening to the voice of God is one of the most profound ways to connect with Him. But it’s not just about hearing—it’s about discerning what is good and true, staying attuned to His word, and keeping our ears and hearts guarded against what doesn’t align with His will.
Learning from Moses at the Burning Bush
Moses encountered God in an extraordinary way—through the burning bush (Exodus 3). In that moment, he didn’t just hear God’s voice; he experienced God’s call and instruction. This reminds us that hearing God isn’t always about dramatic moments but about recognizing when He speaks to us, whether through His word, guidance, or even the whispers of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
Be Careful What You Hear
Jesus emphasized the importance of being mindful of what we listen to. In Mark 4:24, He said, “Pay attention to what you hear.” Likewise, in Luke 8:18, He added, “Be diligent to understand the meaning behind everything you hear.” These verses remind us that not everything we hear will lead us closer to God. We must filter out influences that are contrary to His truth and focus on things that help us grow spiritually.
This also applies to the little ears—children. It’s important to protect them from harmful words, media, or teachings. What enters their ears shapes their thoughts and beliefs. As caregivers, we have a responsibility to guide them toward things that reflect goodness, truth, and God’s love.
Training Our Senses to Discern Good from Evil
In the Bible, we are warned about false prophets and wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). Discernment isn’t just a feeling—it’s a skill rooted in Scripture and the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 encourages us not to quench the Spirit but to test everything. We are to hold on to what is good and reject every kind of evil.
Training our senses means immersing ourselves in God’s word, prayer, and worship. When we discipline our spirits to align with His truth, we become more equipped to separate worldly lies from heavenly wisdom. In the days ahead, when chaos and conflict between good and evil continue to grow, the combination of God’s word and His Spirit will reveal His reality in our lives.
Guarding Our Hearts with Peace
Philippians 4:6-7 provides a powerful reminder about peace: “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything…by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your requests known to God. And the peace of God…will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace is not dependent on circumstances; it surpasses human understanding and protects us from the confusion and noise of the world.
When we allow God’s peace to stand guard over our hearts and minds, we are less likely to fall into spiritual imbalance or delusion. Saturate your life in prayer and gratitude, giving every concern to Him. This opens the door for God’s peace to strengthen your discernment and ability to hear His voice clearly.
Maintaining Spiritual Balance
Spiritual growth and discernment require intentional effort. If we neglect the written word of God or grieve the Holy Spirit, we risk losing balance in our faith and becoming susceptible to delusion. As disciples, we are called to discipline our spirits, test all things, and hold fast to what is good.
Encouragement for the Journey
Listening to God’s voice and discerning His truth is a lifelong journey. Stay rooted in His word, be diligent in prayer, and protect your heart and mind with His peace. Whether you’re guiding little ears or growing in your own spiritual walk, remember this: God’s voice will always lead you toward love, light, and truth. Reject distractions, hold onto His promises, and trust His guidance to keep you grounded in faith.
May the God of peace sanctify you completely, and keep you blameless until the glorious return of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 