Finding Jesus in the Storm: A Devotional for Those Living With Psychosis and SchizophreniaНамуна

Hearing Voices, Seeking Voice

Hearing voices is not uncommon. Many people experience this, especially during times of emotional or psychological distress. You are not alone. Hearing voices can be challenging. Some voices bring comfort, while others can be frightening. Some provide solace, yet many accuse, confuse, or demand. When multiple voices crowd in at once, it can be difficult to discern which are safe and which are not. The Bible speaks of a voice that calls not with threat or control, but with gentleness. The voice of Jesus does not shout above the storm or silence all others. It neither manipulates nor demands. It calls quietly, persistently, and recognisably. The voice of the Shepherd is not always the loudest; yet, it speaks peace. For those who live with voice-hearing, the line between spiritual experience and psychological distress can blur. It is not always clear why these voices arise. They may carry memory, grief, trauma, or the mystery of a mind attempting to make sense of the world. These voices are not signs of failure or abandonment, nor are they proof of darkness at work. They are part of what it means to be human in a world marked by pain and complexity. What matters most is not where these voices come from but where they lead. The voice of Christ guides us toward compassion, gentleness, and life. The Shepherd’s voice does not crush. It speaks to the parts of us that feel frayed or frightened: You are not alone. You are known. You are still held. You are loved. In the storm of voices, there is one that does not condemn.

What would it sound like to be spoken to with kindness—not control, not command, but kindness?