My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27
My dog, Bella is a big, fluffy, white Doodle that’s the most affectionate and obedient pet I’ve ever owned. I can walk her without a leash, and she’ll stay within 12 inches of my left knee. Even if a squirrel crosses our path, I can keep her near me by slowly and firmly saying, “Listen. Heal.” In the rare case when she starts to follow her instincts and bolt, she stops within two feet when I loudly and firmly command, “Bella, Come! Now!”
It may sound like Bella obeys out of fear. She doesn’t. She trusts and respects me. She would not obey a stranger. She also deeply loves me. Right now, my 70-pound puddle of fluff is lying under my desk with her head on top of my feet as I write. She follows me all over the house and if I’m on the move too much, she plants herself in the middle of the hallway so she can watch me. When she finds me in a chair, she’ll often come up and lay her head on my leg and look up at me longingly with her soulful brown eyes. If she’s not getting the physical attention she desires, she’ll paw me or nudge my hand with her nose – even if it is on the keyboard of my laptop. I have a lot to learn from Bella.
Did you know that dogs and sheep have a lot in common? They are both very relational and can discern the voice of their masters. Contrary to popular belief, sheep are extremely intelligent animals capable of problem-solving. They are considered to have a similar IQ level to cattle. They even make different vocalizations to communicate different emotions. They clearly understand that they are prey and need a protector to be safe.
In the Bible, Jesus is referred to as the Good Shepherd. During His time, people understood the importance of sheep and the role of the shepherd in protecting them. I was intrigued to discover that each shepherd has a unique sound or set of words to call their flock. The sheep become familiar with the shepherd’s voice and learn to trust him. They will not listen to or follow commands from others, only responding to the one voice they know they can trust.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I am a poor listener. Especially when it comes to hearing God’s voice above all the chatter of life. As a semi-recovered “Type A” personality, I find it challenging to be still. Every time I read Psalm 46:10, I feel like God is calling me out personally: “Danna! Danna! Danna! Be still…and know that I am God.”
To hear God’s voice through scripture, the beauty of creation, an awareness of Jesus’ presence, or “God whispers” from the Holy Spirit, we need times of quiet and stillness. To know His voice, we need to become accustomed to listening to it more intentionally.
John 10:27 not only says the sheep listen to the shepherd’s voice, but they follow Him. That’s what I pray for myself and for you – that we would hear God’s voice louder and clearer than all others and that we would follow Him obediently. He wants to guide us to a healthier pasture where we are nourished by a strong and unshakeable faith.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for being my Good Shepherd and lovingly guiding me toward the truth. Please help me to do more than just hear You. Help me to listen and obey. I want to want what you want for me. Amen.
Practical Application for a Healthier Lifestyle
Hearing God’s voice in the details of our daily life is an acquired spiritual skill. Since God is all-knowing and wants the best for us, it makes sense to check in with him as we train to develop a healthier relationship with food and our other habits. Take a few moments during your quiet time each day to ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and power as you face of temptations and make your food choices. Write down any thoughts that pop into your mind. Then, pray before each meal and snack – before you decide what to put on your plate – and ask the Lord to help you desire foods that fully nourish you. If you’re brave, you can also ask Him to help you see unhealthy food as poison so that you lose you desire for those thingsl
