Struggling Hearing God's Voice

Andrew was had one of the most honest and intellectual questions lately. He told me that he was frustrated because he knows that God can hear him, but he can’t hear God’s voice. The first time he shared this with me last week, my heart sank—I don’t want my child struggling to find God’s voice—I don’t want him to struggle with his relationship with Jesus. But it is such a fantastic question.

Previously, I told him that God was talking to him whenever there was a lightning storm. God’s voice came in the thunder and is saying, “I love you Andrew”. That seemed to calm him during the storm. Yesterday—he said as we went over the question again—he knows he can hear God’s voice in thunder but is frustrated that he can’t understand it.

How many of us know God talks to us, but are frustrated that he can’t understand him or can’t hear his voice (or are unable to recognize his voice between the noises of this world and our life). If the naiveté of a 4-year-old is struggling with this concept, how much more are we?

Yesterday, I think I had a break-through with him. I told him God speaks in many ways to us—particularly through the Bible (God’s words). However, what sparked his interested is that I told him that sometimes God speaks to me through him (Andrew) and vice-versa. He liked that idea, so I think is mulling that over. But than he asked, how can I hear God’s voice when he is in my heart. How do you answer that question? It seems to me that answer that question is the question itself. If God is in your heart—your life is transformed to respond to God and to be directed by him.

Lord, may you grant Andrew and Joshua the ability to hear your voice. May they hear you speak and recognize your words. May they be faithful children to you. May they grow deeper in love with you.