“Never have I heard Him speak, but I feel that He is within me at each moment…guiding and inspiring me with what I must say and do” St. Therese of Lisieux – Story of a Soul.
Our men’s group discussed the question of God speaking to us. Yes, God does speak to us, the key is, do we hear or listen?
I am blessed to have heard the voice of God speaking to me. The first time this occurred surprised me, actually each time was a surprise. I remember clearly this first moment though. I was a chaperone on a teen retreat and stepped in the little room where adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was to take place through the weekend. God set things up to speak to me. As I knelt before the tabernacle, two separate people in the room stood and left, leaving me alone with Jesus. My daughter had just been diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis and I was confused and a bit upset at God to be honest.
I proceeded to vent my anger towards God, tears started to flow. I couldn’t understand why this was happening. God sat patiently listening as my stresses poured out. Tears soaked my cheeks as I finally came to the point when my anger was subsiding and my prayer simply asked for understanding, strength and faith and His Presence. That’s when i heard it. The voice, deep and consoling came from somewhere ‘beside’ me. I looked around and behind me, thinking either I missed someone in the room or someone snuck in while I was praying. No one was there but me. The man’s voice said, “My son, trust in Me, I will take care of MY daughter.” My jaw dropped and the tears vanished immediately. I was immersed with a sense of total peace and security. I knelt there for several minutes in awe, still wondering what had just occurred. Finally, still staring at the tabernacle, I nodded and remember telling the Lord, “YOU’RE daughter? Yes, she is.” I knew at that moment a sense of peace and littleness like I’ve never experienced before. I knew God had spoken to me, I felt the power in His words as they ran palpably through my body.
This repeated several times over the next 5-6 months. I was in awe each time and realized this was the Father Who was speaking to me each time. Since, I’ve heard each of the Trinity speak to me, mostly within the confines of my heart. Many of my reflections on THEROADOFFAITH come from this voice, my book, “I knew His Voice” was inspired By this inner voice and more often, my prayers are guided by the same voice.
It is so important that one become used to hearing God speak, whether it is audibly or as St. Therese says ‘within in each moment’. But, in order to hear, one must first listen. The soul is surrounded by much noise and doubts. The noise of the world and media is overwhelming. One must cut this out as God often speaks in the ‘still small voice.’ But, also the soul must overcome the inner noises of doubt and worry. So many don’t believe God still speaks to people, and more so, that He would speak to their soul. The whole reason I wrote ‘I knew His Voice’ was to tell people that God is still present and active today. Any good father would Love to hear from and speak with their child. God is the best and most loving of all fathers, He cherishes these times.
Slow down and listen for that ‘still small voice’. It can be found within your heart, your mind or maybe in the voice of a loved one. Listen, He will speak and when you hear His voice, pay attention. Get used to the sound of the Shepherd’s voice.
“The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lordwas not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lordwas not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.” 1 Kings 19:11-13