The Voice

The gatekeeper [shepherd] opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice. (John 10:3-5 NIV)

God speaks.

Those who follow Him will know His voice. Still. Small. Through His Word. He speaks to our innermost being to lead us out of darkness, out of bondage, out of sin, on toward victory.

Hearing the voice of God is only part of the equation, however. God also listens. In fact, He’s a very communicative partner in life. He may seem to be silent at times, but even in His silence, His presence is constant.

Unlike what we hear from Hollywood's movies, God’s voice is not thunderous or mountain-shaking. Rather, His voice is hear to the natural ear while the deepest recesses of the heart hear and acknowledge those things which He speaks.

Personal. Intimate. Pertinent.

When God speaks to the heart of the believers, His words are very specific to our situation or circumstances. Quite often, His voice can be akin to pillow talk between a husband and wife—things said in secret that no one outside that level of intimacy would ever hear spoken.

Challenging. Comforting. Counseling.

Those things that He speaks to the heart are never without deep meaning, direction, and/or compassion. You may hear a challenge to take a new direction in life. Or, you may hear words of deep comfort and peace especially if you’re in the midst of one of life’s tumultuous storms. Quite often, His voice is one of counsel, leading and guiding you into a redemptive set of circumstances while calling you to walk closer with greater wisdom … all for His glory and all for your victory!

You’ve most likely heard all the jokes about people hearing voices. The scripture in John 10 helps us understand there are two voices while teaching us to be discerning. The believer will hear and recognize the Shepherd’s voice as it will be confirmed in His Word (the Bible). He will also recognize the difference between a stranger’s voice and that of the Shepherd. Any voice that cannot be confirmed through His Word is the voice of a stranger. We are admonished to reject it as such.

The Father desires a relationship with all His people. Relationship cannot thrive in a monologue; a two-way conversation is required. It is the same with the Father.

Prayer. Petition. Passion.

Key elements to communication with the Lord. Speaking to and communicating with the Lord is prayer. Making our requests known to Him is petition. Deep and abiding love, respect, and reverence communicate our passion for Him and His ways.

Listen and look for His response. He is speaking. His sheep—His people—hear His voice.

Father, help me to recognize Your voice as You speak to my heart through Your Word. Help me recognize and reject the voice of the stranger. I desire a deeper relationship with You. Amen.

Note: Taken from V.I.C.T.O.R.Y: Armed forces Devotional, Copyright 2017 Jan Ross Ministries, ISBN 978-0-692-92330-6.