Tuning Your Ear to God
What does the voice of God sound like? The voice from heaven reported in Matthew 17:1-8 suggests that when we listen to Jesus, we hear the voice of God. The voice the disciples heard was understandable and it directed them to listen to Jesus, the beloved son. It is not that difficult to read the words of Jesus. To listen to and obey those words is more demanding.
As Christians we share the good news that God can be heard, understood, and obeyed. We have scriptures, nature, history, and the stories of our lives that speak God’s truth. Further we have the capacity to “hear” God’s voice deep within our own souls.
Through the centuries faithful listeners have discovered ways to sharpen their listening skills. Practices and disciplines increase our desire and capacity to be faithful to what we hear and know to be the voice of God. John Wesley called these practices means of grace, that is, practices that mediate God’s love, will, presence, and power in very special ways.
A complete list of the means of grace likely includes all things. A God for whom all things are possible may use any and all things to address us. And yet it seems most often the voice and message of God are heard and the presence and power are felt when people quietly, fervently, and faithfully pray, worship, witness, and serve humankind.
Do you want to hear God speak to you? Polish up your practices of prayer, worship, witness, and service, and you will be amazed at what you hear.
—Reuben P. Job
At a Christian mental health and addiction treatment center, the question “What does God’s voice sound like?” often comes from a place of longing—and sometimes deep pain. Reuben Job reminds us that God’s voice is not a mystery reserved for the spiritually elite. When we listen to Jesus—as the disciples were told to do in Matthew 17—we are hearing the very voice of God. That voice is loving, trustworthy, and clear. But while it’s not difficult to read the words of Jesus, it’s far more demanding to truly listen and respond. Listening takes time. It takes stillness. It takes a heart that is willing to be changed. In the recovery journey, one of the most healing things we can do is to tune our hearts to hear God’s voice again—or maybe for the first time. That’s why the rhythms of prayer, worship, witness, and service matter. They aren’t religious checklists; they are means of grace—ways God meets us, speaks to us, and shapes us. In this season of healing, ask yourself: Do I want to hear God speak? Then gently polish up your practices. Start where you are. And listen. You may be amazed by the voice of love that’s been calling your name all along. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics