“I hear you!”
We have a good old labrador mutt named Cody. He is still quite fit, but in the last few months his hearing has deteriorated so much that he can’t hear my voice when he is 20 meters away from me. When I take him for a walk, that can be a problem if I want to let him off the leash. At first I tried shouting loudly – I was a bit embarrassed and it didn’t help much. No ear twitching. Nothing. Then I tried a dog whistle. That didn’t work either. In the meantime I found out that Cody hears it when I clap my hands. Then he turns to me, looks at me and I can tell him with my body language what I want him to do.
Suppose Cody expects something negative from me. Does he want to hear me or rather not? Does he prefer to keep his distance and ignore me as best he can? The key for him turning to me is trusting me. If he expects good things from me and knows that he is safe with me, then he is interested in what I say.
It’s quite similar to hearing God’s voice. I am convinced that the God who created us in our whole being also finds ways to interact with us.
Hearing God’s voice has two main aspects for me. First: God can, wants and will communicate with you and me. He is a benevolent, loving, merciful God. He compares those who believe in Him to sheep who hear the call of their shepherd.
“My sheep respond to my voice, and I know who they are. They follow me,” John 10, 27 (GW)
Secondly, everyone should ask themselves: Am I open to his voice? Do I want to hear him and do I trust him completely? Do I care what he says? Do I take the time to hear him and do I have a close relationship with him? Do I think he means well with me? Do I read his word, the Bible? In Zephaniah it says how enthusiastic God is about you and me!
“The LORD your God is with you. He is a hero who saves you. He happily rejoices over you, renews you with his love, and celebrates over you with shouts of joy.” Zephaniah 3, 17 (GW)
Is it possible that God is so thrilled about you? He has created you just the way you are and He rejoices in each of His masterpieces. In his eyes you are just right and in his joy he will also be good to you!
If you don’t hear him yet or don’t trust him completely, you can come to God and ask Him to help you. He will do that! Your desire makes him happy and is important for him. As you read the Bible, you can pray for the Holy Spirit to help you understand his word. It is worth it!
Some years ago I was in this situation. I heard and read more and more that all Christians can hear God. That was my wish too and I started to pray for it. Again and again I sat down on the sofa and asked God to speak to me. When I was in silence with an open heart, even as an untrained listener, I kept getting impressions and thoughts that clearly did not come from my own mind. Often tears came to me because I was encouraged and strengthened and felt so loved. I “tasted” God as the following verse says:
“Taste and see that the LORD is good. Blessed is the person who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:9 (GW)
God can, wants and will talk to you. Do you trust him to do that? And do you think he’s a benevolent, loving and merciful God? Try it yourself!
