Is God speaking to you? If so, how can you know it’s really Him?Many people long to hear God’s voice but struggle to discern His leading amid the noise of everyday life. In this powerful message, Dean Sikes shares biblical truth and practical wisdom on how God speaks, how to recognize His voice, and how to respond with faith and obedience when He does.Whether you’re facing a major decision, seeking direction for your future, or simply desiring a deeper relationship with Jesus, this message will encourage you to draw near to God and trust His guidance. God is not silent. He is still speaking to His people today.In this message, you’ll discover:• How God speaks through His Word• The role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers• How to distinguish God’s voice from fear, anxiety, and distraction• Biblical principles for discernment• Why intimacy with God is the foundation for hearing His voice📖 Key Scripture:“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” — John 10:27If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope and direction today.For more resources and encouragement, visit:🌐 YouMatter.us#DeanSikes #HearingGod #VoiceOfGod #Discernment #Faith #JesusChrist #ChristianLiving #HolySpirit #ChristianEncouragement #YouMatter #BibleTeaching #GodsVoice #ChristianMessage #Hope #Truth

You have followers. You have likes. You have content.So why do so many people still feel empty?In this powerful conversation, Dean Sikes sits down with Jaden Reyes to discuss the growing loneliness epidemic facing Generation Z, the hidden dangers of social media, anxiety, identity, and what happens when we build our worth on the approval of other people.Today's generation is more connected than ever before, yet many feel more isolated, anxious, and unseen than any generation before them. Why? Because followers cannot replace friendship. Attention cannot replace belonging. And likes cannot replace identity.Throughout this episode, Dean and Jaden explore why so many young people are searching for significance in all the wrong places, how social media can become a source of comparison and insecurity, and why true fulfillment can only be found when we discover who we are and whose we are.They also discuss:• Why Gen Z is starving for connection• The emotional cost of chasing validation online• How social media influences identity and self-worth• The connection between anxiety, overthinking, and control• What Scripture teaches about purpose and value• Why God's presence changes everything• How to hear God's voice in a noisy world• The difference between performance and relationship• Finding freedom from the pressure to be enough• Why your life has purpose and meaningOne of the most powerful moments in this conversation centers around the truth of Proverbs 13:12: "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." When we place our expectations in followers, attention, popularity, relationships, achievements, or success, we often discover that none of those things can satisfy the deepest needs of the human heart.This episode is a reminder that your value is not determined by a number on a screen.You are not your likes.You are not your followers.You are not your mistakes.You are not your anxiety.You are loved by God.Whether you're a student, parent, teacher, pastor, leader, or someone simply searching for hope, this conversation will encourage you, challenge you, and remind you that your story matters.If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a comment letting us know what part of the conversation impacted you the most.📖 Download your free copy of "You Matter: Finding Hope and Meaning in Everyday Life."🌎 Learn more about Dean Sikes and the You Matter movement.Remember:If you're breathing, God has something scheduled for you to do today.You matter.#YouMatter #DeanSykes #GenZ #ChristianPodcast #MentalHealth #Anxiety #IdentityInChrist #Purpose #Faith #Hope #SocialMedia #Loneliness #Jesus #Christianity #YouthMinistry #Encouragement

At 15, Joseph was ready to end his life.He felt completely lost, worthless, and alone.That night, He cried out to God—not even sure if He was real.And what happened next changed everything.If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Call or text 988 if you are considering suicide. It may save your life. Please download our free book at https://www.youmatter.us/you-matter-book

In today’s conversation, Dean Sikes sits down with high school counselor Tyson Capehart to talk about what teens are really facing today.From bullying and social media pressure to self-harm and identity struggles, this episode pulls back the curtain on a reality many parents, leaders, and churches are missing.In this episode, you’ll hear:What teens are dealing with behind the scenesWhy so many feel alone (even in a full house)How parents and adults can respond the right wayThe power of simply showing up and listeningWhy one trusted adult can literally save a lifeFor more, visit our website at www.youmatter.us

So many people today quietly carry this thought: “I feel worthless.”

In this episode of The You Matter Podcast, Dean Sikes and Pastor Nathan Brown unpack where that feeling comes from—and why it’s not the truth. We live in a world that measures worth by performance, success, and comparison. What you do, how you look, how many people notice you. And when those things fall apart… it can feel like you fall apart too.

But what if your worth was never meant to be earned? Nathan shares his personal story of losing everything he built his identity on—and how that collapse became the turning point in rebuilding his life the right way. Together, we talk about identity, comparison, social pressure, and the dangerous belief that you have to prove your value.If you’ve ever questioned your worth, struggled with comparison, or felt like you’re not enough—this conversation is for you.

You are not what you produce. You don’t have to earn love. And your life matters more than you think. If this episode helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

In our very first episode, Dean sits down with longtime friend Josh Guyselman, who spent 17 years as a youth pastor working closely with teenagers.

They tackle one of the biggest issues facing students today: identity in the age of smartphones and social media.

How has technology changed teenagers?
What happens when likes determine self-worth?
Why are so many students chasing public opinion instead of truth?

From online bullying and FOMO to dopamine hits from the “like” button, Dean and Josh unpack how today’s teens are being shaped by an audience instead of anchored in truth.

They also share personal stories — including Dean’s experience with bullying — and talk about where real identity and wholeness come from.

Plus, Josh shares a powerful story about a student named Jamie who walked into church needing a signature… but found something much greater.

This conversation is honest, challenging, and full of hope.

If you’re a student struggling with your value — this episode is for you.
If you care about students — this episode is for you.

You matter more than you know.

Many young people grow up without a father figure, leading to anger and deep sadness. Dean shares his successes and failures as a father, emphasizing the responsibility to pursue and support young men. He addresses the challenge of trusting a father when an earthly father doesn't care and highlights the greater reality of God's love. Join us for a heartfelt discussion on the impact and importance of fatherly presence.

Join Dean and guest Matt Rogers (American Idol 3rd season finalist; Rose Bowl Champion; television host) as Matt shares as they discuss not letting you circumstances define who you are. Dean and Matt also discuss getting back to the Word and relying on what the Word of God says about healing and walking in all God has for you!

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