It doesn’t take much discernment at all to know there are many voices vying for my attention. It feels I’m surrounded by noise 24/7. Social media, television, the atmosphere at work, and the marketplace – why even the internal dialogue in my brain can be noisy. Between all the things I tell myself (both good and bad) and the things the enemy tries to get me to believe, I just want to put my hands over my ears and yell … “QUIET.”
What if I don’t hear?
I’m on a mission to hear God’s voice. Can I share a secret with you? Sometimes, I’m afraid I will miss hearing Him!
“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”
John 10:3-5 NLT
Somehow, this has all become a test of my Christianity and I worry, “Will I be so caught up in doing my own thing? Will I miss hearing the voice of the Shepherd?”
While pondering this, I remembered hearing someone say, “God won’t let you miss your own destiny.” Of course, I can mess up and be disobedient and miss out on good things He has planned for me. But if my heart’s desire is to serve Him, I believe when it’s all over, His purposes for my life will come to pass. After all, HE is the author of my destiny, not me.
Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Proverbs 19:20 ESV
I can trust Him
If it is true He will take care of my destiny; then I can also trust Him to make sure I hear His voice. He is big enough to do that.
Think about His nature. He is a good God. There is no darkness in Him at all. He wouldn’t have a plan for me and not do everything possible to be sure I get His instructions.
I have a part in this, as well
I must do everything I can to kill the busy and quiet the distractions so I can hear His voice.
This is where my task of purging soul clutter such as wrong attitudes, mistaken beliefs and lifelong regrets comes into play. Sometimes, I need help with this. I believe He will help; but I must take the first step. I must trust He is speaking. And when I hear … I must act.
I must obey His voice.
Hey! I’m on a journey. I don’t pretend I’m doing all this perfectly. I’m sharing the goals and dreams I have in my heart in this series, “A Rich and Satisfying Life.” This is my sixteenth post of examining a life free from the clutter of both wrong thoughts, attitudes, expectations, and too-full calendars, as well as physical clutter. You can click here to see all the links to the series.
This series is part of a Write28Days challenge sponsored by Anita Ojeda. The challenge is now over, but I am still working at the goal of writing 28 times on my subject.
All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.
I’m linking up with Tune In Thursday, Grace & Truth, Inspire Me Monday, Tell His Story, InstaEncouragments Link-Up, Let’s Have Coffee, Grace at Home
God gives each of us free will to follow his plan for us or not. But as you say, if we choose to follow he will gives us all we need to fulfill his will for us. We’ve got all the tools-we just need to use them.
You are so right, Jan! I’m reminded of 2 Peter 1:3 NLT “God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.”
I’m so grateful that God still speaks to us in ways we can hear, if we’ll get quiet enough to listen. Sometimes my soul gets too noisy, so I appreciate your reminder here to quiet down.
Yes! Lisa, I really do believe there is such a thing as noise pollution. But we do have the power to quieten our environment.
Jerralea, I must admit I have similar thoughts from time to time wondering if I will miss God’s voice because I am not listening “right”. But our loving Father wants us to hear His voice! Thank you for the reminder that His sheep indeed do know & hear His voice.
Yes, Donna! He wants us to hear His voice. He is not making it difficult for us to hear Him. He gives good gifts to His children – He doesn’t play tricks on us.
Jerralea, well illustrated points on listening and hearing God. It is important to be intentional in our trust and obedience knowing His loving promises to us. ❤
So true, Deborah! When you know the promises, then you know God’s nature. It makes it easier to trust!
Love the photo of the startled lamb. And I cling to Jesus’ words that I will know His voice. It begins with knowing Him and His character as you pointed out.
Jerralea, this is a challenging post. I’m coming off a month where I was toooo busy. I overcommitted and my mind and heart are still having to relearn how to be less distracted. I love your desire to hear the Lord’s voice and not miss it. I’m so thankful that God will speak, and I loved the reminder (thorugh the lamb picture) that His sheep hear and know God’s voice. I take some comfort in that.