Voice of Truth

Main Point of Discussion: In times of doubt and challenges to our faith, God will give us the courage and ability to overcome all trials if we choose to listen and obey him. And when we ignore the defeating messages of the enemy and put our faith in God’s promises, he will provide us with great victories in life.

The Song: “Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns

Vital Info Before You Get Started: (The following should help you contextualize this very popular song so you can have a great discussion about it with your kids.)

• A popular song with believers of all ages, “Voice of Truth” may very well be on your kids’ iPods; if not, play it around the house or on the car stereo—and see if your kids ask about the song or make a comment about it…which is a perfect time to kick off a discussion with them!
• You may want to briefly review the accounts of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33) and David defeating Goliath (1 Samuel 17) before embarking on the discussion.
• Above all, don’t appear as if you have a “canned” discussion in your head and rattle off questions like a teacher giving a pop quiz—your kids get enough of that in school. This is a guide, primarily—not a verbatim script. Just familiarize yourself with the content here and start a conversation in the most natural, unforced way you know how.Lyrics:
  • 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
  • Into 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
  • [chorus]
  • But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
  • 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.”
  • [chorus]
  • 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
  • [chorus 2]
  • But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
  • 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 (calling out to me)
  • I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
  • I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth
  • I will listen and believe
  • I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
  • I will listen and believe
  • ‘Cause Jesus you are the Voice of truth
  And I will listen to you…oh you are the Voice of truth

  Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
  Q: What’s the message of this song?

  •  A: “Voice of Truth” reminds us that God’s voice not only is true but also provides comfort in a world where everything is crashing down around us.

  Q: How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this song?

  •  A: We should be encouraged and inspired to be reminded that God’s voice is powerful in our lives.

  Q: How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this song to actually living out those opinions?

  •  A: All we have to do is listen to Christ and believe!

  Where to Take It from Here:
  Wherever it feels natural. If these questions lead to a longer discussion on the topic, wonderful! (There’s a guide just after this paragraph that helps you do just that.) If your kids are barely uttering grunts, don’t get discouraged—the next time it feels right, try out another song. Keep engaging them.

  For Deeper Discussion:(If your kids seem into diving in deeper, the following discussion guide can help take you there.)

  CLICK HERE if you want to look at a quick training article on small groups and drawing questions out of young people—you may find much of the information applicable as you go through this subject with your family members.

  Transitional Statement:
  This song carries an amazing message with a solid challenge about the way we face the difficulties of life. Sometimes we must step out of the boat even though it looks like madness, and sometimes we must take on challenges that, at face value, are completely unbeatable.

  More Discussion Questions:

  1. ASK A FEW FAMILY MEMBERS: Is it possible to go through life as a Christian and not face challenges? Why or why not?
  2. ASK A FEW FAMILY MEMBERS: What are some of the “waves” and “giants” in your life?
  3. ASK A FEW FAMILY MEMBERS: What does the voice of truth say to you about those things?Read the following passage from the Bible:
     • Philippians 4:13 (Amplified)

     I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

  4. ASK A FEW: According to this verse, where does the strength to face life’s challenges come from?
  5. ASK A FEW: Have you ever felt “infused” with inner strength from Christ? If so, what happened?
  6. ASK A FEW: What does it mean to be “self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency”?
  7. ASK A FEW: What are some of the “boats” or comfort zones that God might be calling you out of?
  8. ASK A FEW: How does knowing that you “have strength for all things” change your perspective on the trials you might be going through?
  9. ASK A FEW: What are a few specific ways you can start listening to the voice of truth instead of the waves and giants in your life?

  Wrap Up:

  You might transition again with a statement like this: What a great reminder from Casting Crowns that we serve an incredible God who speaks the voice of truth to us, especially in times of difficulty. In a world full of voices telling us lies, God offers the ultimate voice of truth…if only we have the ears to hear it. So, let’s remember the accounts of Peter and David when we feel as though we’re sinking or facing giant circumstances. They listened to the voice of truth when everyone else was afraid. Let’s commit to letting Christ empower us for any and all things that might come our way. Now give your kids pencils and 3X5 cards, then ask them to think about the waves and giants they’re facing right now. Send them to find quiet places outside or inside and pray about their situations and listen uninterrupted for five to 10 minutes. At the end of that time, have them jot down what voices of truth they heard, and how they might help them.

  Close in Prayer