Boldly Guard Your Ears
- Dr. Meesha
- Mar 11
- 5 min read
I did not grow up watching much television but realized that there are some shows that simply pique my interest more than others. I watched Paradise on Hulu and was so intrigued by the characters’ development: the internal dialogue, the display of emotions, how they made decisions, the manners in which they perceived others thoughts and actions, and the deep conversations they had with others.
Your girl gets INTO IT!! 😂😉
Shows like these are called psychological thrillers; they are filled with suspense and have you questioning the trustworthiness of the characters. I would lie if I didn’t tell you that I am internally intrigued by the ways in which the characters behave. I am glued to the tv when I see the mannerisms in which trust is formed. AND please DO NOT TALK TO ME when I'm watching my show. 😂
That’s how into it I am! I am doing my own psychological analysis with an introspective spin.
I am asking myself:
Who acts like this in real life?
Do I know anyone like this?
Do I display characteristics similar to any of these characters?
Because if I do, please cut it out and give it away!! 😂
Ya girl is in her head BIG time! And THEN, I invite my hubby to a 30 minute post debrief where we are super-analyzing the characters even more.
Such is life…where in the hustle and bustle of things, we may overlook the voices we allow to influence us. Whether it’s family, friends, colleagues, shows, or even social media, the voices we listen to hold incredible power over our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
It’s easy to allow these voices to penetrate our mind and our heart. Now we are speaking more like ‘them’. Influence is powerful and you must be vigilant and intentional about who we keep in our ears.
Truth is…the Bible includes POWERFUL lessons we can learn from and apply in our lives.
Esther, a woman who through wisdom and discernment, recognized the importance of the voices around her was intentional about who she kept close to her. Let’s learn how to navigate life’s challenges with grace and purpose by intentionally paying attention to who is around us.
Lesson 1: Choose Voices That Encourage Your Faith
Esther’s story in the Bible is one of courage, wisdom, and God’s perfect timing. She was a young woman who found herself in the midst of a royal palace, facing life-or-death decisions for her people. But what stood out most was her willingness to listen to the right voices, especially the voice of her cousin, Mordecai.
In Esther 4:14, Mordecai urges Esther to recognize the unique moment in her life and the calling on her: “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Mordecai’s words sparked in Esther the courage to act and fulfill God’s purpose for her life.
Lesson 2: Be Watchful of Toxic Voices
On the flip side, Esther had to be discerning (watchful) about the people who could lead her astray. In her position, she could have easily been influenced by the prideful and deceitful advisors of King Xerxes, those who only sought their own benefit. She did not do this and strayed away from their recommendations.
We face similar challenges. Whether it's peer pressure, societal expectations, or toxic conversations, there are voices that can pull us off course. Proverbs 13:20 reminds us that “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” This verse is a reminder to carefully examine the voices we entertain. Are they pushing us toward our goals, or are they sowing seeds of doubt, fear, or negativity? Just as Esther had to make a choice to listen to the right advice, we too must be intentional about the voices that influence our journey.
Lesson 3: Seek God’s Wisdom Above All Else
Esther’s decision to approach the king on behalf of her people was not just the result of Mordecai’s counsel. She also spent time in prayer and fasting, seeking God’s guidance. In Esther 4:16, she says, “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do.” This moment of prayer and fasting demonstrates Esther’s reliance on God, and it shows that before she acted, she sought God’s voice first. When we’re in doubt about who to listen to, we can turn to God in prayer and seek His wisdom through Scripture. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Lesson 4: Surround Yourself with a Wise Circle
Though Esther was one person, she didn’t face the challenges alone. She had Mordecai’s wise counsel and the support of her people through fasting and prayer. Just as Esther surrounded herself with those who could help her discern God’s will, we should surround ourselves with people who are rooted in wisdom and truth. Ask yourself: Are the voices you listen to pushing you closer to God’s will for your life? Are they helping you grow in character, faith, and wisdom? In Proverbs 27:17, it says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” The right people will help sharpen your thoughts, decisions, and actions, steering you closer to God’s plan.
Lesson 5: Trust God with the Outcome
Lastly, Esther knew that her actions might come with great risk. However, she trusted that God would be with her, no matter what. She said, “And if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16), showing us that when we follow God’s leading, we can trust Him with the outcome. In life, you may face moments of uncertainty, where the advice or voices around you don’t always seem clear or comforting. But remember, just as Esther took a bold step in faith, so can we. God will guide our steps, and His plans for us are good.
Remember....
As you journey through life, may you remember the wisdom found in Esther’s story. Be intentional about who you allow to speak into your life, seek God’s wisdom above all, and surround yourself with people who encourage you to walk in your purpose. When you trust in His voice, He will lead you to where you need to be. Keep listening to the right voices, trusting that God is always speaking through them, guiding us to fulfill His purpose for our lives.
Stay encouraged.
With love and blessings,
Dr. Meesha
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This was a really good read and timely. Definitely a great reminder on how I need to be mindful of what I let in my ears and what I am listening to.