As I drove down the road, resisting the temptation to flip on the radio, I drove in silence. I needed quiet. I need to de-clutter my soul from the noise around that threatened distraction and assured confusion. So many voices to listen to these days. Voices on our newsfeed, voices dinging in text boxes, voices catching our attention with unattainable images on social media screaming into our heart. At that moment, I needed that silence.
I needed a void.
I needed to hear just one Voice.
How did I know I needed just one voice at that moment?
In my soul I could hear the Voice calling my name to listen…
in silence
with devoted attention
with confidence that this calling, this Voice pours into my void what my heart longs for.
Oh how Jesus knows those other voices that distract our attention. He knows the voices, He knows we often stray yet our Lord never stops calling our name. Speaking straight to what we were created for Jesus reminds us that He is the shepherd {our Ultimate Leader, guide, King, lover of our soul}. He is the door by which we enter into eternal union with the One True God.
…He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When all the sheep have been gathered, he walks on ahead of them; and they follow him because they know his voice. {John 10:3-4 The Voice}
Yet, we have a choice to make.
Do we follow our Shepherd?
Do we walk through His door?
Please remember…
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. {John 10:10-11ESV}
That life abundantly promised by The Good Shepherd allows us confidence in His Voice. For when we decide to tune out all else, we stand in assurance that His voice is…
truth
steadfast
all-knowing
all-sufficient
absolute.
I love the word ABSOLUTE. In a world where much is relevant and dependent on our fleshly whims and wavering desires, absolute gives me comfort…a place to stand firm. Do you need a this firm place to stand, too? When life twists and turns. When questions arise, “Why God did you let this happen?” When there is no clear path to walk straight your Good Shepherd speaks out, calls your name. Will you listen? Will you follow and abandon all the other voices?
Join me today in firm, absolute confidence in the Voice. Might I suggest the means to hear Him?
Flip the switch off…
Poise yourself with a humble heart…
Open His ABSOLUTE WORD–The Bible…
Prayerfully converse…
Speak less…
Listen more…
Your heart KNOWS His voice…
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me…” {John 10:14 ESV}
Leave a comment…let’s chat!
photo credit: Βethan via photopin cc
Sarah!
I loved reading this post. We are flooded with many voices and many opinions each and every day! I don’t believe we were made to be constantly bombarded by advertisements, facebook messages, text messages, emails, music … a ton of noise.
Jesus is calling us to spend time with him and to know him.. draw near. I have been thinking about the noise/extra voices in my life lately. It’s so easy to just shrug it off and say “Oh that’s normal … I guess that’s the way it will always be” Well, I say no… I want to be still and know that HE is GOD. I want to fill up on his presence and peace. I don’t want what the world has: I want what Yeshua (Jesus) has. :)
Love you Sarah!
Blessings over your day!
Emily
To Emily: I totally agree about the shrugging it off thing. You’re right, it may be normal to be distracted but it isn’t Best. :) Loved what you said about “filling up”. And calling Jesus “Yeshua” was cool too- it feels personal, intimate and makes me think of Him being the Son of Man- a carpenter wearing dusty sandals but being God at the same time. :) Cool Comment!!! Love, Emma
Sarah,
What a great post! I love the word ABSOLUTE too!!! How much happier we would be if we could only find a way to make God Everything to us! I hate that this old sin nature gives me divided loyalties. It stinks to find myself wanting things that are “less”. Thank God that He forgives, and loves and renews and gives wisdom when we ask for it (James 1:5)!!! :D Where would any of us be without that? It SO helps to get great encouragement like this post! Thanks, Sarah.
I also loved the phrase “poise yourself with a humble heart”. That’s my problem with prayer: I don’t feel like I’m DOING anything and that’s the whole point!!! – Not to DO anything, to let the Almighty take control, to let Him handle everything – to poise myself with a humble heart. Thanks a lot, Sarah! Love, Emma
P.S.- If you love “Absolute”, think about “Invincible”…
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