Hearing His Voice #297

The disciple Jesus loved was sitting next to Jesus at the table. Simon Peter motioned to him to ask, “Who’s he talking about?”

John 13:23-24

The disciples were eating their last meal with Jesus, and one of them was leaning against the Lord at the table. John seemed to have that kind of relationship with Jesus; he was one of Jesus’ closest friends. And because of that familiarity, he was in a privileged position to hear the Messiah’s secrets. He got the inside information on what was about to happen.

God is willing to have that kind of friendship with any of us, of course. He invites us to ask Him questions and listen for the answer. He told Jeremiah to ask Him for His “remarkable secrets,” and most of us would welcome that level of communication. We’d even settle for regular, everyday insights about the mundane details of our lives. We just want to hear from Him.

When you need to hear from God—some specific word that isn’t already covered in Scripture, like the direction you should take or the decision you should make—ask Him a question. Like John, draw near and listen. Calm your spirit and let Him speak in the silence. If you don’t hear anything, ask again and continue to sit in silence, listening for however He stirs your heart. If you still don’t hear anything, keep your eyes open for the rest of the day, or even the next few days. The answer to that question will come, whether deep in your soul or through the parables and signs in your life. He will not ignore your question. He will find a way to communicate with you in a way you understand, and you will find a way to hear. He speaks to those who know Him well enough to listen to His whispers.

Jesus, help me silence my soul so the only voice stirring in my depths is Yours. Let me ask You questions, even small ones, as I’m learning to hear. Help me recognize Your answers, however they come. Just as John knew You, let me draw close to You as a friend.