Are you within hearing range?

A few years ago when we moved to this house, I realized my kids needed more outside time then I could spend outside. We lived on a cul–de-sac and my kids were older. So we came up with a system. They could play outside without me there if they would come when I called. At supper time or chore time, I will go outside and yell my children’s name. They usually respond that they hear me and then come running. But once in a while, I call and no one answers. Upon further discovery, I find they have either wandered a little too far or are too engrossed in their play that they do not hear me.

The question is am I within hearing range of God’s voice. In John 10: 3b-4, Jesus talks about how “the sheep listen to the voice of the shepherd. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he brings all his sheep out, he goes ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.” Do I know his voice? Have I gotten so caught up in my world that I can’t hear him. Am I listening to too many voices and can’t distinguish His voice from the others. Like my children, I need to be listening for His voice and stay in hearing distance. Often with God, I need to be still and just listen. I don’t want God to have to come looking for me just because I didn’t hear the first time. I don’t want to wander to far from my good shepherd. God knows me by name and leads me that is enough.

Dear God, Thank you that you are the good shepherd and that you know my name. Help me to hear your voice as you lead me. Give me ears to hear and feet to obey. Amen