When you hear your child’s voice, you know it. It has a distinct cadence and pitch, and their cry has a certain identifiable rhythm. Likewise, a child knows it’s mother’s voice and even her scent. It’s part of the bond between a mother and her child that has developed through time, care, attention and familiarity.
As Christ-followers, we’re supposed to know our Shepherd’s voice. Jesus tells us in John 10:14, “I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me.” Later, in verse 27, He asserts, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Recognizing, hearing and listening to his voice is a discipline that is developed through devoted time, attention to relationship and learned familiarity. It’s cultivated through time spent in His word, in prayer and, just as important, patient listening.
How can we hear His voice if we’re spending our prayer time petitioning but not listening? We have to choose to push aside the distractions, set aside time to quiet our own minds. Then, be sensitive to His stirring through His word, lean into where it lands in your heart, and spend time listening to His voice. Allow Him to overpower your own thoughts with His voice, which will always line up with His word. In doing so, you will learn the identifiable rhythms of your unique communication with Him.
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