Do you believe God hears and answers your prayers or that things happen coincidentally? I choose to believe He answers and that all things happen for a reason.

Psalm 104:24 tells us that the Lord’s works are varied and in wisdom He wrought them all. We must believe Him in all things. People ask what the difference is for Christians. Those who love and accept Christ share a closeness, a comfort, a divine connection that grows sweeter and stronger the longer you serve Him. It truly is a privilege to take all our troubles and triumphs to Him in prayer. Jesus died to pay the price for our sins. The personal relationship we have with our Father God lives inside our hearts because He loved us enough to give His Son. When we honor, obey and stay closely connected to God, He speaks to us from the voice within.

How? We complicate what is so simple. Jesus lives in our hearts when we open the door and accept Him. The more time we spend with Him in prayer, studying His Word, talking with Him and doing good things in His name, the closer we come to Christ. If we fall victim to busyness that keeps us from connecting to Him, our relationship suffers. When we leave Him out of our daily walk and dig apathetic pits of pity, we can become hardhearted and wonder why we don’t hear from Him. Simply surveying our schedules shows the answer is time for Him squeezed in or set in stone? Does He have a speed dial number directly to your heart or have you forgotten how to get in touch with Him? Would you know His voice if He called? This poem shows the power of His voice within.

“There’s a voice that lives within my heart and talks to me each day — And helps me guide my wayward steps along life’s treacherous way. It speaks to me of virtues and whispers words of hope. It keeps my flagging spirits high when I have failed to cope. This voice beguiles my very soul and stills the demons there. It makes me know that in this world there’s worlds of love to share. And I know peace in turmoil’s midst, Strength beyond my own, Joy too great to put in words, For I know I’m not alone.

If you but listen to your heart, you’ll hear the voice I share, for it speaks not to me alone, It’s there for all who care. And the dawning of a brave new age is waiting to begin, When each of us can hear and heed that little voice within.”

Jesus loves and longs to have close relationships with all His children. Imagine how it hurts to see the dreadful things happening all over the world He created, to feel isolated and forgotten by the children He made in His image. God knows our sinful nature. He sent Jesus so that we can be free from our sins and share a close relationship with Him. Even when battle storms threaten and hearing His voice is hard, He is still there. There are seasons He may seem silent, but He speaks in His time and His way. Often, we rush things and grow impatient when we don’t get an answer to our prayers or hear His voice within immediately.

We don’t fool God. He knows our hearts and plans. Leaving Him out until a crisis comes, we panic and promise Him loyalty and love, if He’ll just hear and help us one more time. When He takes us through the tough times, we often go back to business as usual, forgetting Him in the good times. The same thing happens with loved ones. Keeping covenants and staying close builds bonds of love that keep the line of communication open. When we stay so busy and spend little time with loved ones, that precious, personal bond can easily be broken. Our relationship with our Father is no different. We must keep covenants, pray, and believe those prayers will be answered in His time. Then, we will easily discern the voice from within.

His voice within should be like a GPS navigation system, guiding and directing us by listening to His voice only. When the way seems long, we opt for short cuts, alter directions, go our way, even turn Him off. Quickly, we become lost. Yet, He is always there to get us back on track when we seek His help; He’s a faithful navigator who will guide us here and to our heavenly destination.

How do you explain hearing from Him? I’ve never had a Moses experience hearing God’s voice from a burning bush, but I sense stirrings in my heart and know His voice within. The closer we come to Christ, the stronger His voice becomes. God reveals Himself in ways and wonders that confirm His presence and power in our lives. I am in awe as He speaks to my heart, shows signs, and sheds light like a beacon lighting my path. Where He leads me, I will follow. What about you my friends? Do you hear His voice within? Are you listening. Ae you sure you’re listening? He will guide you to glory!