January 28, 2012, around 11 pm. That’s the last time I heard my dad’s voice. We were watching a Pacer’s game. Dad was doing his usual commentary and coaching from the recliner. I leaned over and kissed him goodnight. No hug. He was busy. The next morning Mary Jo (my bonus mom) and I heard a loud thud against the hallway wall. That was it. He was gone.
We know that day will eventually find us. But that does nothing to ease the ache that burrows deep inside your soul. How will I find my way? Who will I go to when I’m hurting and lost?
Deuteronomy 8:3 and 28:1-2 records one of the first times we’re told to “obey the voice of the Lord”. Moses speaks to the Israelites in the final weeks of his life with some very clear instructions. Listening to and obeying the voice of God is top of the list. And in Isaiah 30:21 and 55:11 and then in Jeremiah 33:3 we find multiple times that God says His voice or Word will tell us which way to go, will accomplish God’s purposes, and will tell us great and hidden things.
Making our way into the New Testament we find Matthew, Luke and John (in his gospel account as well as Revelation) all referencing the voice of God. Matthew refers back to Deuteronomy. Luke gives us Jesus speaking about hearing the Word of God and keeping it. And then John tells us about sheep knowing the voice of the shepherd, the Holy Spirit reminding us of what Jesus said, and finishes in Revelation with us hearing His voice and being receptive to it.
All of this head knowledge of scripture is great. It’s super important. But if we don’t spend time with Him, getting to know His character, and discerning what He sounds like, we might be deceived.
He will discipline. He will be firm. He will allow us to make poor choices. But He will also be there waiting when we admit we screwed up. He will guide us and prompt us. His voice can become the sweetest sound.
I have a recording of me with my dad. I was about four years old. He was having me sing anything I wanted; just something to get my sister, Melinda, to sing with me. The quality is what you would expect from 1973-74. But it’s priceless to me. His sweet voice. Unmistakable. And I’ve been singing and talking every day since then. (Just ask my family.)
As much as I cherish my dad, I know an even sweeter and mightier voice. And He “sings over me” (Zephaniah 3:17). I’d love for you to know Him, too.