Trust and listening to the Voice of God
Sometimes we cannot recognise the voice of God because our thoughts are clouded by our own judgements. I recently read somewhere that it takes a Sheep a while to get accustomed to the voice of its Shepherd. Similarly, as human beings this is what our relationship is usually like with God. When I read that, I thought it was such an amazing comparison, because now I understand the dynamics of the Lord is "our Shepherd"
Yes He is our Shepherd in the sense that He will not forsake us. This is clear in Psalm 121:7 "The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever"
However we need to take into the account the initial relationship, between the Sheep (us) and the Shepherd (God). The Shepherd is constantly training the sheep into its follower. I don't know how the sheep herding process works, but I'm assuming it's almost like training a dog at first, if not worse. In the beginning stages of training, the animal will be unresponsive to the Shepherds commands, and give in to its own nature and demands. Just like the Sheep, we tend to act in the same manner with our relationship with God. We fail to listen to His voice, not because we don't want to but because our hearts haven't been able to recognise what that voice is yet. It is difficult to hear/feel that voice, because it conflicts with our worldly thoughts and this is why it is so hard to place.
I am writing this because I feel this has been me for some time now. I'll be honest, I find it so hard to recognise when God is speaking to me or sometimes I make up crazy ideas in my head and forcefully will it to be God if you know what I mean. I guess what I'm trying to say is we need to just get accustomed to what that voice is, so we can differentiate between our worldly desires and what He wants best for us. It's been said that we usually hear Gods voice when we are still in his presence, in other words just having alone time, praying or even just listening to gospel music, basically anything that will put you in check.
This is something I've been meaning to practice consistently, but I find myself getting distracted over things that should not be a priority over my relationship with God. The beautiful thing about practicing to hear the voice of God, are the life changing experiences you encounter. For starters, I start to see myself differently, my perception of things begin to change, from what/who I attract to what/who I entertain.
You start to see certain things clearly, because your heart and mind is focused on Him and what He wants for your life. It could start from a simple revelation on how to go about writing that essay you found difficult, adding little pointers to your job applications or God may point you in a certain direction and open your eyes towards something new that you may never have considered or previously brushed aside.
It's an overwhelming experience, and you have nothing to lose trying it out. Make the decision to take a few minutes out of your day, by setting alone time and just pour out all your worries to Him and ask Him to take control of every situation that seems difficult to overcome.
When you do this I pray God will direct you in all areas of your life. Be it school, relationships, friendships, etc. Worst scenario, you might not feel you heard/were moved by anything, but trust me you will definitely gain something in the long run. At the end of the day that is why we are like Sheep. It takes TIME to recognise that voice. So it doesn't mean He isn't speaking to us, we just need to want that relationship out of our free will and our hearts just need to be fully focused on Him to get results.
Remember hearing the voice of God, is not going to come as an audible voice. It's what you feel in your spirit and heart, that's where He engages with us.
Psalm 23 "The Lord is my Shepherd, I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows, He leads me beside peaceful streams, He renews my strength, He guides me along the right paths, bringing honour to His name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me..."
Stay Blessed and Inspired,
Zephia xx
