If you know someone, they respond to you. For instance, if you phone someone that you know, they’ll recognize your voice. They may say, “Oh, hey there. I knew it was you.” If, however, a telemarketer calls, the voice is foreign. They may even hang up on the unknown caller.
Jesus said we respond to Him because we know Him.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—” (Jo. 10:14)
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (Jo. 10:27)
We listen to God’s voice.
We know God’s voice.
We follow Him.
The “knowing” instructs our going. Or, at least it should.
Sometimes I act quickly before seeking, praying and asking. These are the times I bang up against hard issues or react pridefully, making things more complex.
How often do you bulldoze ahead without fully knowing and seeking God’s heart? What He is saying?
The sheep know God’s voice; they “listen” to His voice.
The Greek word for “listen” — akouō, means, according to Blue Letter Bible: to understand or to perceive (with the ear) something being announced in one’s presence.
We are wise to “listen to God’s voice” being announced in our presence. As we listen. As we seek. As we read His Word. As we hear His words. As we notice what He is doing. As he takes us where He wants us to go.
In rightly perceiving God, we rightly find our way.
Beyond this, we come to understand that God really knows us — and loves us anyway. He has a plan to help us to be conformed to the image of Christ. He encourages our heart.
I believe God wants us, daughters, to hear things today, like:
You are mine, all mine.
You make me proud; I love who I created you to be.
You are my delight.
You are fully loved.
You are wholly mine.
You are chosen.
You are holy in Christ Jesus.
I love you.
What can you hear Him say about you? To you?
Every word aligning with the Word of God. But all His words – words from God’s heart, change our heart. To know God is to know peace. To hear His words is to gain courage, faith, hope, and love.
What might God hoping you perceive or understand today? What message might he want to get through to you? Ask. Seek. Knock. The door will be open unto you.
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I really want to do a better job of listening for His voice.
Whenever I have a major decision to make, I am brought up short and made to realize that I do so much of life by dead reckoning instead of careful listening.
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Thank you for the encouragement. laurensparks.net
Kelly, thanks for reminding us to listen to God’s voice. Sometimes we think we know what he is saying, but he isn’t really saying that at all. I am trying to get better at discerning God’s voice and my own voice that I assume God is saying. Two very different things, some days.
I frequently hear him whisper in my ear, “Sit Still.” “I am with you.”
It’s one of those incredible mysteries how “His sheep hear His voice,” isn’t it! But what a blessing it is to be His child and experience it. Blessings, Kelly!
How awesome it is to be fully known and fully loved, especially when it comes for God! He blesses me so immensely, especially when compared to what I deserve. I am a beloved child of God, how could you top that. Yes, I know His voice (although, I don’t always listen as I should). Many Thanks 8)