Oh my goodness, I’m deaf! How did I survive?
I uttered those words verbally in my car (to no one in particular) the first time I took off my brand-new hearing aids after wearing them for several hours in a denominational board meeting. It was literally as if someone put a pillow over my head. In May I finally realized that I was agreeing to far more than I actually understood, and it was time to take drastic action before I got myself in REAL trouble. So, I mortgaged the house to purchase top of the line “Unitron” hearing aids. I cried driving home with them for the first time, wanting to tell Pat, “Sweetie, I can hear you!” She would have been thrilled for at least two reasons –
- the neighbors would no longer be able to hear the TV, and
- I would have no more excuses (men, you know EXACTLY what I mean !).
Finally, I can hear voices again with clarity. I can hear you talking
about me in the last pew! I have “high frequency hearing loss,” common among men my age. The result is that I can hear the sounds and words, but the message is muffled. It is as if I am hearing people from under water. To the question, “How did I survive,” it’s easy – I simply had gotten used to it, and adjusted accordingly.
There are some voices that are best muffled in our figurative ears – i.e. the voices of secularism, much of the media, often our own voice, and certainly, the enemy’s lies.
But there is one voice we must hear with clarity– the voice of the Lord. John 10 describes Jesus as the Good Shepherd Who calls His sheep by name, and they know HIS voice. A stranger can call, but it will fall on “deaf ears.” Surely, the voice of the Lord is a gentle voice, clear and authoritative, but there is more…
The LORD’s voice is one of power and strength – “The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars…” ~Psalm 29:4.
*The LORD’s voice is not to be ignored or minimized.
…The LORD’s voice is one of guidance and direction – “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.’” ~ Isaiah 30:21.
*The LORD’s voice is to be followed.
…The LORD’s voice is one of invitation and promise – “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him.” ~ Revelation 3:20. *The LORD’s voice is to be welcomed.
…The LORD’s voice is one of warning – “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” ~ Hebrews 3:7. *The LORD’s voice is to be feared and obeyed.
Consider for a moment a few questions – whose voice is loudest in your ears these days? Who do you listen to the most? Is it the latest TV drama series …or movies on Netflix …or talk show …or the “wisdom” the world is so quick to offer? Or do you hear God’s voice with clarity? Are you intentionally making time to “be still” – to regularly practice the habits of grace by reading His Word, praying, and gathering with others of God’s people – so that His voice can be heard over the many others. He will not often shout to get your attention – though C.S. Lewis says “pain is God’s megaphone.” How much better to hear the gentle clarity of His whisper in your ear… and submit?
Since Pat died, I have heard the voice of the Good Shepherd like never before. He tells me, “If I laid down My life for you, you can surely trust Me today to provide all that you need.” Shhh…listen…Whose voice do YOU hear?
By God’s grace and for His glory,
Pastor Bill