In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. Psalm 40:6 (ESV)

The ability to hear the Lord’s voice is a gift. Jesus promised that all his sheep will hear his voice.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 (ESV)

It is important for us to cultivate our ability to hear the Lord’s voice. God is speaking, but are we listening? Have we allowed too much clutter in our lives? Have we put other things ahead of being obedient and surrendered to Jesus? Have we allowed our hearts to become embittered or hardened? If so, it is necessary to repent, ask forgiveness, and ask the Lord to soften our hearts and open our spiritual ears again.

The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. Isaiah 50:4 (NASB)

Once we hear his voice in our hearts, it is important that we obey. Otherwise, hearing him will result in greater judgment for us.

Remember what it says: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.” Hebrews 3:15 (NLT)

Prayer

Lord, I want to be able to hear your voice clearly. I believe that you are speaking to me, as you said you would. Forgive me for not patiently waiting in your presence and listening as I should. Please clear my heart and mind of sin, competing voices, and clutter. Help me be obedient when you speak to my heart. Let me be a blessing to others and a conduit of encouragement. Thank you in advance for softening my heart and opening my ears. Amen.