My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28 NIV

My husband, my eight-month old son and I took a trip to the mall one day. As I proceeded to window shop, I heard a loud, happy scream piercing through the crowd, interrupting my much needed “me” time. Immediately able to identify the screamer, I whipped my head around and spotted my husband and son a great distance away, my son waving happily and blowing me kisses.

Call it mother’s intuition, but I have always had a special bond with my son. Through spending time with him, caring for him and acquiring an intimate knowledge of him, I could immediately interpret what each of his cries, screams and whimpers meant and give him exactly what he needed. Even among the thousands of other sounds filling that crowded mall that day, I distinguished the sound of my son’s voice.

It is the same in my relationship with Christ. Through knowledge of Scripture and an intimate relationship with Him, I am learning to distinguish His still small voice even amidst the clamor of the world. I also distinguish the Lord’s voice in an audible way, like through fellowship with fellow brothers and sisters in the faith or the utilization of spiritual gifts.

Nothing could have prevented me from hearing my son’s cry that day. My son is a part of me, and I am a part of him. Sheep know their shepherd’s voice because of the time and care a shepherd invests in them. Because of this care, every sheep knows their shepherd’s voice, and nothing can tear those sheep away from following their shepherd.

Do you know your Shepherd’s voice? Or is it being muffled by the sounds of the world’s distractions?

Dear Lord, Please call to us so we may know Your voice. Help us decipher Your voice over the mumbles of the world. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.