When I first moved from the Philippines to Singapore, everything felt new. Even something as simple as commuting was different. I had to use apps to check which bus or train to take. At first, I looked at them all the time, but after a while, I started to find the routes and landmarks familiar. Slowly, I did not need the apps as much because I already knew the way.
This is similar to how God’s voice works in our lives. At first, it may feel unfamiliar or hard to recognize. We may wonder, “Is this really God? Or just me?” But the more we walk with him, the more we get intimate with him, the more his voice becomes clear, steady, and familiar.
As a musician, I would say that listening is the most important attribute. A composer cannot be certain if the notes he or she wrote will work well unless he or she listens to it first. If a musician does not listen to the nuances of the notes sung or played, there will be details missed. In a group setting, one needs to hear the others and follow the leader who also intently listens; otherwise, there is no unity.
In the same way, our lives fall apart if we follow the wrong voices. But when we are tuned to Jesus, our Good Shepherd, everything finds its right place.
Jesus says in John 10:4–5 that his sheep know his voice and follow him—they listen intently. But he also warns that there are other voices. Like thieves and robbers (10:1), they will try to distract and mislead us. Some of those voices come from our cultures, some from people around us, and sometimes even from our own desires. They may sound convincing, but they will never lead us to life.
That’s why Jesus also says in John 10:9, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved” (NIV). Only through him can we find real security and provision. In verse 10, he promises, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Abundant life is not about being wealthy, travelling everywhere, or getting everything we want. It’s knowing that wherever we are—whether in joy or in struggle—we are known by him.
So how do we train our ears to know his voice more? By listening to faithful preaching and teaching, praying—being still and quiet before him, being familiar with what he says in his Word, and being sensitive to the Spirit’s leading in everyday life.
For me, hearing God’s voice is an important attribute of a Christian. The more I hear him, the more I can tell if the other things I hear are from him or not. God’s voice never confuses. It brings clarity, peace, and life.
We are known by him. He is our Shepherd calling us by our name. Do you know his voice? And when he speaks, will you follow?
For REFLECTION
- What voices in my life often drown out God’s voice, and how can I quiet them so I can listen more
attentively to him? - How can I make space this week to listen to the Shepherd’s voice, and what step of obedience will I
take in response?
