Below you can listen to audio of the blog post, read by Kay Naomi.

Recently, there was an issue weighing heavily on my mind. I have prayed about it in the past but there has always been a part of me that felt unsettled. Because no immediate action needed to be taken, I would often place this issue on the shelf. It would come up sporadically which would force me to address it again and again; yet, I still had no resolution. After speaking to someone I trust about said issue, she proposed a specific question I should bring to God. 

A few days after our conversation, I decided now was the time to ask the Lord this question. I was in my home, seated on the floor, leaning against my sofa. Instrumental worship music played quietly in the background. My Bible and journal were nearby. The mood was set.

I began my time of prayer with thankfulness and gratitude to God. Then I asked “the question.” I’ll be honest, I was nervous about what He would say. I even prayed He would prepare my heart for what the response would be, should it not align with what I was hoping. 

Before I continue, I want to lay a little foundation. For some, this language about hearing God speak is normal. For others, it's not. Here’s the thing, I believe and know God speaks to us today.

He first speaks through His Word. Anything we believe we hear Him say should never contradict His character or His Word. In fact, there is a scripture in the Gospel of John that solidified for me we can indeed hear God’s voice. 

In this text, Jesus is telling the parable of the Good Shepherd.

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. John 10:1-5

In the verses that follow, Jesus explains the meaning of the parable to His disciples. He is the Shepherd. Those who follow Him are His sheep. As a sheep, we know the voice of the Shepherd.

We learn His voice by reading the Word and spending time with Him. When I am struggling to discern if I am hearing God’s voice, I remind myself that I am His sheep and I hear His voice. 

Now back to my story. 

After asking “the question,” I was quiet. I was waiting to hear God respond. Instead of answering how I anticipated, He began revealing other things to me. The deep things of my heart. Things I had forgotten about. Issues that required immediate attention.

While it was unexpected, it was mostly certainly needed and extremely healing. He directed me to scriptures that brought comfort and reassurance. I even received answers to other questions I had asked God previously. 

I share this story with you to highlight the importance of making space to listen to God. In hindsight, I believe God was waiting for me sit long enough to hear Him speak. It had been a while since I sat before Him with the sole intention of listening, without an agenda.

This experience reminded me of another story we read about Jesus in the Gospel of Luke.

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

Have you been like Mary or Martha? I would say I vacillate between the sisters. But recently, it would be Martha. My beautiful time with God was a reminder that I must choose the “one thing.”

Don’t get me wrong, there is a time to make requests to God in prayer. He tells us to do that throughout His Word. But don’t neglect just being with Him. Ask Him, “What do You want to talk about?” 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you that I can hear Your voice. Reveal any barriers that hinder from hearing with clarity. Lord, help me to choose the one thing that is most important, spending time with you. Thank you for loving me and desiring to spend time with me. Thank you that Your Presence brings comfort, healing, instruction, and more. I am so thankful for this relationship we have. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Until Next Time,

Live and Love Audaciously!

Kay Naomi