Devotionals for the Heart: How to hear God's Voice and follow Him

Hearing God’s Voice
A devotional by Terry Overton

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

—John 10:27 (ESV)

In past years, I have received wonderful birthday presents, such as weekend getaways with my husband, flowers, gift cards, books, and jewelry. But this year my birthday was on Sunday, and I got the perfect present! I got to go to church.

That may sound strange to most people, but as a full-time caregiver for a loved one with early-stage Alzheimer’s, I am usually at home on Sunday mornings watching services on TV. But this week, I was able to attend. Going to church was the perfect present for me. How I missed being able to listen to the message in person.

The music played as I walked down the aisle to a pew near the front. I wanted to see and take in every moment, every sound, every smell of the remaining flowers from Easter that decorated the altar. I sat in awe as The Holy Spirit washed over me and the warmth of knowing I was with fellow believers who received the wonderful message. Even after the service, I did not want to leave. I wanted to sit in the peace and calm of His house for a few minutes longer. I wanted to sing one more song, say one more prayer, and hear one more verse relating to the message.

The message I heard spoke to my heart. It was indeed a message I needed. God knew that. This chapter of my life had only begun a few months before and I still had questions about the role in which I had been placed. I grappled with thoughts like: “Am I doing this right? Are the plans for the day His will? Am I reacting lovingly? Are the decisions I make the best ones for my loved one?” These questions are ones asked by caregivers, parents, grandparents, wives and husbands.

Relying on Scripture has been my source of strength and peace when behaviors are challenging. Scripture can calm the mind and heart of anyone facing life events. Scripture has been my peace of mind, but questions remained about the next steps and the care I am giving. I want to be sure my decisions are consistent with God’s will. I want His love to be reflected in the care I provide.

The service that Sunday focused on how we can know and understand God’s will. How can we discern what He wants us to do? What are the next steps we are to take? We are told that as His followers, we can listen to His voice. But how can we hear Him? We learn to recognize His voice by spending time in His Word.

Like sheep who know their Shepherd’s call, we begin to discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit through Scripture. The more time we spend in God’s Word (The Holy Bible), the easier it becomes to identify truth from error, peace from chaos, and wisdom from folly.

The message I heard was meant for me that Sunday. Even after the service, I did not want to leave. I wanted to sit in the peace and calm of God’s house for a few minutes longer. Walking back out to the car, I knew spending more time with the Word would be my best strategy in the coming months.

I realized we’re not called to walk perfectly but faithfully. We are not to know all the next steps; we are to trust that God knows. With Scripture as our roadmap, we can navigate life with purpose and peace no matter what tasks we are given.

Let’s make reading God’s Word our daily habit—not just for knowledge but to better hear the voice of our Shepherd (Jesus Christ).

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for giving us Your Word to guide us and provide peace during difficult times. Help me to turn to Scripture when I have doubts and to pray when I need Your help and guidance.

In the name of Your precious Son, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Still Waters (Psalm 23)” by Leanna Crawford. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology.

 

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

Terry’s background in teaching adults and children shine through her stories that often include a character with educational or learning challenges. Her Christmas series, The Oddball Ornaments, features a box of misfit ornaments who first learn the meaning of Christmas and then discover the meaning of forgiveness. In The Underground Book Readers series, one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum yet is one of the leaders of the group of teens. Book one of a new series, The Messiah Brigade, features an awkward middle school nerd who helps his school turn around a bully gang of kids. Adoption and family issues are the focus of her new book, Charlotte McMaster and the Messenger Angel.

Terry lives in Texas and enjoys reading, taking pictures for devotional posts on social media, visiting with her family, playing golf, and writing.

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Connect with Terry:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terry.overton.71653
Author Website: https://www.authorterryoverton.com/
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/overtont