"Listen"

Sadness is a fact of life,

Gladness is a choice,

Discouraged by a world of strife,

Let’s listen to God’s voice.

His voice brings joy to all who hear,

His truth sets all men free,

Telling us that He is near,

Always promises to be.

Out of darkness into light,

His voice will lead the way,

And what He says is always right,

Until the final day.

And that voice is the only one,

That ever leads us home,

The Father speaking through the Son,

To the Holy Spirit’s own.

“My sheep hear My voice, ad I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27, NAS)

Hearing the Shepherd’s voice is the birthright of every child of God. Jesus tells us that we will recognize His voice and that He will call us by name. Paul wrote that the Spirit would witness to our spirits that we belong to God. The world is a loud place and many voices intentionally seek to deceive and distract us. All the more reason for proactive listening. We cannot be Spirit-led otherwise. The good news is that He is speaking and will enable us to hear. Listen up.

Lord, help us listen to Your voice, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Anton, used by permission. Thanks, Bill, and God bless you.