His Voice

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”  -John 10:27

I was tucking Eli in last night and he was upset.  I guess it was just a hard day, and like his momma, hard days tend to catch up with him right as he’s trying to go to bed.  Hoping to distract him and guide his thoughts to better things, I told him a story he’s heard a bunch of times now, but it’s a favorite for both of us.

Fresh out of my belly he was fussing and crying like every healthy baby should.  I was holding him for the very first time drenched in all the weary, awestruck emotions of new birth.  His face was so round.  Carey, in his earliest attempt at indoctrination, was wearing a Cubs jersey so it would be the first thing his firstborn would see.   I was trying to soothe Eli when Carey leaned over the hospital bed just over my shoulder and started talking to him.  Eli immediately stopped crying and looked up.  It was amazing. 

There were at least six other people in the room between nurses, and our doula, and the doctor, and whoever else was there.  I remember being surprised at how many people were in the delivery room, but it didn’t matter.  Eli focused in on Carey and everything else was just background noise.

He knew his daddy’s voice.

It’s been overwhelming lately with everything going on.  There are so many voices shouting their opinions, and theories, and warnings and complaints.  

But God is so faithful with His still small voice.  Gentle.  Soothing.  Familiar.

Are you tuned into it?  His voice? 

Eli knew his daddy’s voice because he heard it every single day.  I can’t say it was a still, small voice.  It was more a booming, loud voice, and even though Eli was held in my body I’d be willing to wager he heard Carey’s voice more than mine.  His voice sounded like exuberance, and laughter and love. 

God’s voice sounds like truth.

God’s truth is eternal, unwavering, and unchanging regardless of our circumstances.  The only way to know it is to know His Word.  Really, that’s it.  Every other source is up for discernment.

Best bet, stick to the solid truth of God’s Word.  Today, and always.  Run everything through the filter of Scripture and drink in only what runs clear.  If someone is peddling anything less, simply turn away.  Tune out the gray shadowy areas of opinions and theories because they only dim the fullness of light God wants to shine on you through an intimate relationship with Him. Father and child.  

Certainly, the Father is well acquainted with our cries, but do we respond to the sound of His voice?  

I pray that we do.  It’s an amazing gift.