Hearing Things

Listening to the wrong voices can be dangerous. However, listening to the right ones can be healthy.

My husband and I tackled the three stacks of laundry together while the boys got ready for bed. We talked about the next day’s plans as we folded, commenting about all that needed to be done around the house before calling it a day.

Just as David finished a sentence, I heard a sound like a child’s chuckle come from the direction of the dryer. My heart caught in my throat as I whipped around and stared.

“Did you hear that?” my husband asked.

“Yeah, it sounded like the noise came from the dryer.”

“Maybe. I think it came from over in the other corner.”

We slowly canvased the laundry room with our eyes and ears, our hearts racing.

“Christy!” I heard the voice yell.

Oh my gosh. It knows my name. I searched for the quickest exit.

“Christy, I’m on your phone.”

Talk about relief. I pulled my phone out of my back pocket. My friend laughed hysterically on the other end.

“What in the world? I must have butt-dialed you. Honestly, I’m sure glad you’re on the other end. We thought some kind of freaky something had sneaked in here, and we were both about to give it the laundry room.”

The Voices We Listen To

We all got a good laugh about the voices. Once my heart slowed to normal, I thought deeply about the whole situation. Instead of audible voices, oftentimes we listen to other voices that we secretly allow to dictate the direction of our thoughts and emotions. The voice of doubt. Shame. Insecurity. Fear. Guilt. Obligation. Rejection. Depression. Anxiety. Failure. Addiction. Worry. Laziness. Past mistakes.

These voices get so loud in our heads at times that we stand paralyzed. Therefore, the lies we concoct and believe surrounding these emotions often leave us confused, beaten down, and stuck.

That’s when we need to look around the room and figure out where the voices are coming from. Is this a voice I’ve been listening to since childhood? Is it new or actually true? Or has my mind taken all my angst and wrapped it up in a paralyzing line I’ve come to believe?

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

~Psalm 119:11 ESV

Dig deep and ask all the whys. Just because we’ve always believed the voices doesn’t mean they’re actually true. Our personal truths are not always God’s truth. Many times our identity gets wrapped up in these lies that the many voices have told us over the years.

When the voices seemingly come out of nowhere this week and you find yourself paralyzed in the laundry room looking for the freaky, taunting voice, find where the voice is coming from. Then, lock your phone and protect yourself from any accidental butt-dials in the future. You don’t have to listen to that voice anymore.

My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding. Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

~Proverbs 2:1-5 ESV

What voices have you been entertaining for way too long and too often?

Jesus, sometimes those other voices become loud. I’ve listened to them for too long. So, please show me the truth and teach me to stand on your words alone. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Listening to the Voices: Christy Bass Adams: All Rights Reserved