My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27
New parents develop an almost supernatural ability to hear. When our son, Rafa, was a newborn crying at 3 AM from hunger, I instinctively woke up from deep sleep, prepared a milk bottle, and fed him. What's remarkable isn't just that I heard him, but that his specific cry registered as "hunger" in my brain even before I was fully conscious. This exceptional hearing isn't random—it comes from constant listening that transforms into a powerful connection between parent and child.
God designed us to be constant listeners. When Jesus described His sheep, He used a special Greek word—"akouousin"—which means "they hear" or "they listen to." Interestingly, this word is in the present tense, showing that listening never stops. It's not a one-time event but a continuous action. Jesus' sheep don't just hear Him occasionally—they live in a constant listening state.
Your relationship with Jesus depends on ongoing communication. Think about your closest friendships. They didn't develop through one conversation but through years of talking and listening. The same is true with Jesus. He doesn't just want brief check-ins during Sunday service or quick prayers before meals. He wants your ear tuned to His voice throughout your day, in every situation.
Listening to God is meant to be your default mode. Many of us treat hearing from God like checking the weather—something we do occasionally when we think we might need it. But the word "akouousin" challenges this approach. It suggests that Jesus' true followers maintain an ongoing awareness of His voice, like keeping a line open rather than making separate calls.
Continual listening changes how you experience everyday life. I used to compartmentalize my faith—God got Sunday mornings and maybe a quick devotional time, but the rest of my day was my own. It made a difference when I realized Jesus wants to speak into my work meetings, family dinners, and even my alone time! His voice brings wisdom, peace, and direction to every part of life.
Hearing God's voice becomes easier with practice. I've been married to Aida, my wife, for 25 years now, and I can recognize her voice (especially her distinctive hearty laugh) instantly even in a crowded restaurant. How? Because I've been listening to her voice every day for a quarter century (and counting). Similarly, the more you listen for Jesus' voice, the more quickly you'll recognize it. Continually listening trains your spiritual ears to distinguish His voice from all others.
Pastor Charles Stanley states, "God's voice is still and quiet and easily buried under an avalanche of clamor." This powerful truth reminds us why continuous listening is so crucial. In our noisy world, God rarely shouts to compete with other voices. Instead, He speaks with a consistent quietness that requires intentional, ongoing attention. The practice of "akouousin" helps us catch what might otherwise be drowned out by life's constant distractions.
The continuous nature of listening protects us from spiritual danger. Sheep who only tune in to their shepherd occasionally are vulnerable when wolves approach. The same is true for us. The enemy loves to attack when we've disconnected from God's voice. But when we practice "akouousin"—continual listening—we're more likely to hear the warnings that keep us safe.
You don't have to strain to hear God's voice. Sometimes we picture listening to God as an intense, brow-furrowed activity that requires perfect quiet and concentration. At the same time, devoted prayer time matters, the Greek word suggests something more natural and ongoing. It's like background music that plays throughout your day—sometimes in the foreground, sometimes softer, but always present.
Godseekers, keep your spiritual ears alert to God's voice daily. His guidance awaits in every situation you'll face. Don't miss His whispers of wisdom when making decisions, gentle warnings when temptation approaches, or comfort when your heart feels heavy. The more you practice this continuous listening, the clearer and more familiar His voice will become. Tune in to God!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking to us. We're sorry for the times we've treated listening to You as a special event rather than our usual way of life. Jesus, help us become people who practice continuous listening—keeping our spiritual ears open all day long. Holy Spirit, make us more sensitive to Your voice in every situation—the ordinary and the extraordinary. Teach us to recognize the different ways You speak throughout our day. We want to live as true sheep who are always tuned in to our Shepherd. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- When are you most likely to stop listening for God's voice during your typical day?
- What might change if you approached each day as an ongoing conversation with Jesus?
Step of Faith
Today, I will practice continual listening by pausing at least three times during my everyday activities to ask, "Jesus, what are You saying to me right now in this situation?"
