Sounds are everywhere. Today the most obvious sounds I am hearing are from machines. Outside as I walk, I hear a riding lawn mower and a weed eater. Two vehicles pass by. The delivery van has a different sound from the truck pulling a trailer. A motorcycle roars off for a ride. My peaceful little cul-de-sac isn’t always quiet.

As I walk, I am also listening to my phone. This time it is one of those ads that promise amazing results if you will buy their product. They always tell you about their problem, their research, their findings, their battles, etc. I do listen sometimes in case they truly do have a solution for a problem someone I love is having.

Even with all of these sounds I can still hear the birds singing. As I close my phone and listen to the birds, I can hear several different calls. Each bird has its own unique sound, just as each one of us does. No two people sound exactly the same. We have our own feelings or opinions as to which voice is more or less pleasing to our ears. Our feelings for an individual also influence how we perceive each voice.

Parents can recognize the cry of their child even in the midst of many children. We know the sound of our loved one’s voices even when they are in another room or on the phone. In our mind we can gain comfort from the voices of those who are far away or who are no longer with us.

Try this sometimes: sit still and listen to the sounds around you. You will be amazed at all the things you hear! Better yet, take time to listen to the people around you. You will be amazed at what you hear!! And best of all, set aside time to listen, really listen, to God. You will be amazed at what you hear!!!

“Oh, that my people would listen to me!” Psalm 81:13a (NLT)

“God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.” Revelation 1:3 (NLT)