An Ever-Present Voice of Hope

Into the deepening shadows of the night I ran. Breath coming in gulps. Torrent of tears stinging my flushed face.

Exhausted, I finally sank to the dank ground, my scream piercing the wooded silence. The sound shot out from deep within—a desperate plea to release the pent-up pain threatening to overwhelm me once again. 

And although my heartache masked His voice that night, I know God spoke. Through the rustling leaves overhead He answered: I’m here, my daughter. I’m always here. Rest in Me.

Ever-Present Hope

God was there with me that heart-wrenching night. He whispered His promises to pain-dampened ears, but He was there. I know because Abba Father is always near, guiding, encouraging, and soothing us. 

He always offers hope.

God was there that heart-wrenching night, because Abba Father is always near, guiding, encouraging, and soothing. Share on X

In the years since that night, I’ve walked down similar valleys and climbed to incredible vistas. Always, I’ve been accompanied on the journey by the One who loves me enough to never let me travel this life alone. Through it all, He has spoken into my life.

Sometimes it’s a gentle call carrying through the woods. Other times, a shout from a mountain peak. Sometimes, God speaks slow and methodical. Other times, He is forceful and persistent in his message. 

In certain instances, I’ve heard God’s voice through song and in the opening and closing of doors. A fair amount of time His messages are revealed in the lives of others.

I have to admit, though, I don’t always readily understand His meaning—often I receive what seem to be crazy text messages filled with acronyms that need decoding. There are times I beg Him to hit me over the head with a sign presenting His directions (in English, please).

Draw Near

When I’m not paying attention, I miss God’s dispatch altogether. 

But the most important thing I’ve learned in the years of running from Him, sprinting toward Him, and hovering uncertainly, is that the Lord’s messages become louder and more recognizable the more intimately we know Him.

The Lord's messages become louder and more recognizable the more intimately we know Him Share on X

In other words, the nearer we draw to God in understanding His character—His sovereignty, His righteousness, His love for us—the clearer we hear His voice. The less insulation we allow between the Lord and our hearts, the louder His voice will be in our lives. 

This requires spending time with Him. In prayer. In the Word. 

The less insulation we allow between the Lord and our hearts, the louder His voice will be in our lives. Share on X

Gain Your Voice

Our pain can mask God’s voice. Our hardheartedness and wall building can dampen His Word in our lives. But He will still be near. He will still be speaking lovingly and truthfully, waiting for us to catch His whisper, to acknowledge the message He is impressing on our souls.

Once we do hear. Once we begin to breathe in His Word and start peeling back layer after layer of anger, hurt, and fear, His voice will grow stronger in our lives.

And it’s through the Lord’s voice that we will eventually find the strength to use our own.

I did. You can, too.

It's through the Lord's voice that we will eventually find the strength to use our own. Share on X

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” (Matthew 4:4)

Reflection: Do you actively seek God—to know Him better, to understand His character and will for your life? Have you set aside time to talk to Him, to listen to Him, to soak in His Word? 

 This is one of many stories on hope, healing, and finding our voice posted and linked up today on Jo Ann Fore’s blog. They are written by bloggers incredibly excited about Jo Ann’s new book, When A Woman Finds Her Voice: Overcoming Life’s Hurts & Using Your Story to Make a Difference, set to release this month. This week’s topic is on hearing God’s voice. 

To read more about Jo Ann’s book click HERE. I know you’ll love these inspiring stories! Click the button below to read all of them.

Also, check out the “When A Woman Finds Her Voice” Pledge. With God’s help, you can find your voice and use it to help others and glorify Him. Be encouraged to do just that by signing this free pledge. When you do, you’ll receive a beautiful printable copy to frame. (Be sure to follow all the steps to sign and receive your Pledge.)