The Voice of Truth... Be still in order to hear...

There is a song I hear on the radio... and the expression "the voice of truth" jumps out to me.  Yesterday when I heard the song, as I heard the words "the voice of truth" in English, my mind went to Greek!  Hurray!  Maybe there is hope for me yet to learn this language!  I was always excited when my Spanish and French students came to class telling me that they had thoughts or dreams in the language because it meant that the language was getting inside them and taking hold, taking root.  I was glad that my mind heard those words and thought of the Greek: h` fwnh, t’h/j av’’’lh,qeiaj  

If you'd like the explanation-- the first word is the nominative definite article (feminine).  The second word is "voice".  The last word is "truth" in the genitive form because it is the form used for "of".  The third word is the genitive form for the definite article.  I hope I got the translation correct!

The voice of truth.  I don't know about you, but I often find myself struggling to hear that voice.  Other voices tend to drown out the voice of truth.... fear, doubt, literal other voices of other people.  Even positive voices can still drown out the voice of truth, if they are not in line with the voice of truth.    Often it becomes difficult to listen.  That's on a "normal" day in "normal" circumstances.

What about when your world is turned upside down and/or inside out?  It could be because of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, or the time of year of final exams (whether as a teacher or student).  It could be anything.  These things make it harder to listen to the voice, the voice of truth.

For me, it helps to find some time for some silence and solitude.  If at all possible, it is even better for me to get out into creation.  I am better able to hear the voice of truth when I am surrounded by the Creator's handiwork.

As I listen, I am able to peel away and filter out the voices that are not truth.  The din, the caucophony of sounds becomes quieter and I'm able to get to the point where I can once again here the voice of truth.

What about you?  Are you struggling to hear the voice of truth?  Are other voices coming at you so loudly that you no longer hear it?  Take some time for some silence and solitude.  Filter out the voices that are not voices of truth.

Besides silence and solitude (which include prayer time), it helps me to find the voice of truth in Scripture, songs, and through trusted friends.  Don't neglect those important resources. 

Here are the lyrics to two songs that help me hear the voice of truth.

"Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwsvqVmFV6Y

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. 'Boy, you'll never win!'
"You'll never win"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a Sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again "boy, you'll never win!
"You'll never win"

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

"I Lift My Hands" by Chris Tomlin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c24En0r-lXg&ob=av2n

Be still, there is a healer
His love is deeper than the sea
His mercy, it is unfailing
His arms, a fortress for the weak

(Chorus)
Let faith arise
Let faith arise
I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God, forever

Be still, there is a river
That flows from Calvary's tree
A fountain for the thirsty
Your grace that washes over me

Chorus X2

Let faith arise
Let faith arise
Open my eyes
Open my eyes
Let faith arise
Let faith arise
Open my eyes
Open my eyes

Chorus X2

You are faithful, God, forever
Let faith arise
Let faith arise

As you are on your journey, I hope and pray that you are able to hear the voice of truth in the midst of all the other voices! 

If you'd like to share how things are going on your journey, please do so.  You might be just the encouragement someone needs.

Blessings on your journey,

~Debra