Voices. Throughout the day I encounter so many voices. The voices of strangers, voices of acquaintances, voices of friends, voices of family. And there are voices I hear on the level of my soul. Voices reminding me of all the busyness of my life. Voices competing for my attention and time. Then there are those condemning and accusing voices reminding me of my imperfections and sinfulness. Those voices of guilt. Damning voices. There’s the voice of my heart, often overwhelmed by all the voices, trying to discern which voices to heed, voices to ignore or dismiss.

And if I stopped to listen, really listen, there is a Voice that calls out to me. Not yelling or shouting, but a quiet and gentle voice. A Voice that puts everything in perspective. A Voice that is trustworthy and true.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

I am so grateful for the Voice of my Good Shepherd. In the midst of all the competing voices, His Voice is there. In the midst of all the noise, His Voice is there. I just need to focus in to hear that Voice. One of my favorite Christmas songs reminds me to listen to that voice. Do you hear what I hear?

Said the little lamb to the Shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky Shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear
A song, a song
High above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea

Oh how I need to stop and listen for that Voice. That Voice that is as big as the sea yet quiet as a whisper.

As you sing over me
Draw me close to rest in Your peace
Sing over me
Oh, sing

Sing of Your unending faithfulness
That knows no doubt or fear
In the face of all that I don’t know yet
Remind me of who You are

That gentle and wonderful Voice that constantly reminds me of who He is. That I’m in His hand and I’m His. And He’s there. He is always there. His Voice that sings over me. Drawing me close to rest in His peace.

Father, even in the midst of my busyness and all those competing voices, you sing over me. You whisper words of life and truth. Thank you for you incomprehensible love that reaches down to speak to me. How crazy is that!

Thanks, God!