Day 3: The Shepherd’s Voice
John 10:27
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Sheep don’t recognize the shepherd’s voice by accident—they learn it by staying close. Over time, through daily dependence and proximity, they come to trust and follow without hesitation. Other shepherds may speak, but they’ll only respond to the voice of THEIR shepherd. In the same way, our ability to hear Jesus clearly grows as we spend time in His presence—through prayer, Scripture, and simply walking through life with Him. The more we draw near, the more familiar and comforting His voice becomes, even in the midst of life’s confusion or chaos.
If you’re struggling to discern what God is saying, maybe the invitation isn’t to listen harder, but to come closer. But just how do we do that? This all begins with examining your beliefs. Do you truly believe, with your whole being, that Jesus Christ died on the cross for YOU? That He not only CAN care for you, but also WANTS to? I can give you a checklist of steps to take to grow closer to God, but those actions are in vain without aligning your belief system first. Start with this question: What makes it hard for you to trust God? Does this stem from being betrayed by people in your life? Unexplainable suffering? Or lack of a good example of Jesus’s love for you? Dig into these tough questions, go to the raw places of distrust to allow yourself to draw closer to God. Time doesn’t heal wounds unless you properly treat them- without treatment, wounds will get infected.
Maybe that’s why Jesus is whispering in the first place, because it forces you to lean in to hear. Jesus desires a relationship, not just occasional check-ins. Ask yourself: how can I intentionally move closer to Him this week? It might be as simple as setting aside ten quiet minutes each day or offering Him your thoughts in the middle of ordinary moments. Closeness is cultivated in the small, consistent steps of love and attention.
Reflection: How can you get closer to Jesus this week?
5 minute of stillness complete
Prayer: Deepen my relationship with You, Jesus. Help me to know Your voice and walk closely with You each day.
