Deeper Life #62

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

—John 10:27

IT IS NOT WHAT A Christian utters in public prayer, preaches from the pulpit, or writes on paper that determines God’s attitude and relation to him; it is what he says in his heart, which God alone can hear. This determines the believer’s relationship with God.

Many people talk glibly about stupendous truths that they believe. But the Lord has never talked to them in the stillness of the dark and lonely moments of solitude, when only His voice gives light to see and understand.

Remember this: The Lord never gives private illumination to favored Christians. God’s way of communication descends from divine illumination through His Word, for the development of spiritual character in His saints. Yet the Lord speaks, definitely and persuasively, to those who care to listen.

At first we may not hear the Lord’s voice because our spiritual ears are untrained to detect it above the tumult and noise of the dark circumstances of our lives. But once we learn His voice, the finest of earth’s voices are never again mistaken for the voice of the Lord.

Prayer Thought: Lord God, I have heard Your voice many times. It is always a source of strength to me.

SUGGESTED READING: Psalm 18:24–28