Hearing God's Voice
I remember, on a number of occasions as I was growing up, hearing Gods voice. Yes, actually hearing Him. I heard Him speak to me – audibly, and clearly. And yes, I am very blessed to be able to say that. Oh, God speaks to all who will hear him, but not always audibly. Because you see, God knows each of our hearts individually and he certainly knows how he can best reach each of us individually, and with me He chose to simply speak - because He knew I was listening!
On one of those occasions, I remember that I was out in the garden on a warm Sunday afternoon, at our family home, enjoying the sunshine and the blue cloudless sky, and I heard my name called. Three times I heard it. After the third time, I got up out of my garden chair and went indoors, thinking it must have been my dad who was calling me.
My parents were in the kitchen, washing up the dishes from lunch time. So, as I entered the kitchen, I said: “Dad, did you call me?”
“Not me,” he said.
“Oh, OK” I replied. “Mum, did you call me?”
“No,” she replied. “We have just finished washing up the dishes.”
But I had, heard a voice calling out my name on that day for sure. But there was no-one else in the garden or in our house. And it could not have been our neighbours because they had all gone out for the day!
Since coming to know Jesus as my Lord I have heard the Lord’s voice on many more occasions. The same voice I heard on that Sunday afternoon. The Lord was trying to get my attention then to assure me that He was there, and that He wanted me to spend time with Him and to speak to me. Just as He did that afternoon, and just as He did each night before I settled down in bed at night after I had said my prayers. The voice of the Lord always feels warm and assuring to me, and he has always answered my prayers.
The bible encourages us to listen for His voice – and to acknowledge Him, so that He can guide us. He wants to - why not let Him?
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27)
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:6)