John 10:27 (TPT)

"My own sheep will hear My voice, and I know each one intimately, and they will follow Me."

Jesus makes a profound statement: if we belong to Him ("My own sheep"), we will hear Him. Hearing in this verse is associated with belonging to Him, speaking of His life in us that has reawakened our spiritual ears. Because Jesus has said this, we know it’s possible. From that place of belonging, let us realise afresh and be thankful that we can hear Him as a part of our relationship with Him.

Much is written about hearing God’s voice, but little is written about listening. Listening involves our cooperation. While this verse says we can hear, our God is very respectful and will mostly not interrupt us unless the situation is urgent. He will not talk over us. He will wait for our attention.

God’s words are more than just words. His words carry life in a creative way. John 6:63 says, “…the words I have spoken to you are Spirit and they are life.” His conversations with us are not just to be heard but to be experienced. They carry power to lift us up, to equip, heal, encourage, and comfort us. God desires that we experience all that is sent within His words. Therefore, to experience and clearly hear all that His words carry, it’s essential to give Him our full attention.

• Set aside some time to focus on Him and listen with an expectancy that comes from belonging.
• Be still in a comfortable place if possible. Stillness signifies our intent to hear. This is honouring to God.
• His voice always reflects who He is. Our Shepherd, as typified in this passage, speaks lovingly to His sheep, calming and reassuring them, drawing them to Himself. A loud, abrupt voice would terrify the sheep. Be encouraged to give your attention to Him today for His gentle, quiet voice.
• Do not compare how you hear and negate your experience because it’s different from others. His voice often sounds like your thoughts. Focus on the quiet thought and dwell there, giving attention to Him. When that thought arrives from nowhere, acknowledge it: “That is You, Lord. Thank You.”
• “…and they will follow Me.” Following is a result of experiencing His words, which then creates abiding. Dwell today in the experience of God’s voice as it draws you to Him. As Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)

By embracing this process, we can deepen our relationship with God, hearing and experiencing His life-giving words in a profound and transformative way.