“We are meant to hear the voice of God.”- John Eldredge
As John Eldredge continues Chapter 12 of Moving Mountains, he notes that in John 10 Jesus repeats Himself four times, to make it perfectly clear: His sheep hear His voice. Mr. Eldredge emphasizes that hearing the voice of God is one of the lost treasures of Christianity. Not only is an intimate conversational relationship with God available, it is meant to be normal. John explains:
“If we hear his voice and open the door of our lives to him, Jesus will come closer, become even more intimate with us. For this very intimacy we were created! And it is a rescue, a comfort, a source of a thousand blessings, and it also changes the way we pray as we ask him (emphasis author’s) what to pray!”
Asking simple questions is the first step in learning to hear the voice of God. The author finds it helpful to be in a place of quietness and surrender in order to hear the voice of God. Beginning with smaller and simpler questions supports this process. To hear “a gentle whisper” from God, His “still small voice,” we need to calm ourselves down. We need to release ourselves from drama, stress, or immense pressure and quiet our hearts.
John believes that “as we grow in our intimacy with God, our ability to hear his voice grows and we can recognize his speaking in times of great trial.” However, it is not a good idea to start there or only reach out to Him in urgent moments.
Practice by asking simple questions regarding a matter where little is at stake- rather than a great deal of personal investment. That way you can sit with the questions quietly, surrendered with an open heart. Listen for the gentle voice of Jesus within– for Jesus dwells within our very hearts (Ephesians 3:17).
Today’s question: What helps calm you so you can hear the voice of God within? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “True open- handedness”
