The Voice of God

What does it sound like?  How does one know when it is God who is speaking?

It is important to hear the voice of God, especially during our times of struggles and pains.  We need a reassuring voice to comfort us. 

I remember having nightmares as a child.  This was particularly upsetting in the middle of the night while awaking in a dark and lonely room.  If I started to cry or scream my parents would come and comfort me with their consoling words.

This is what God does for us.  In the Gospel today Jesus the Shepherd says that His sheep "hear his voice".  This means that Christ is constantly speaking to us. 

The book of 1 Kings 19:11-12 says, "Then the LORD said: Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will pass by.  There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake; after the earthquake, fire—but the LORD was not in the fire; after the fire, a still small voice."

God does not necessarily speak to us in the power of thunder or earthquakes but rather in silence, with a "still small voice".  We hear His voice in the silence of our prayer and meditation.

Spend some time each day alone in a room (preferrably in a church before the tabernacle), and learn to listen to God.  When meditating, focus on not reacting to the negative thoughts that come to your mind, but rather be still and know that God loves you.  When your mind becomes clear through His grace, you will be able to hear Christ speaking silently in your heart, consoling you with the words you need to hear at that time.