“This is my beloved Son; listen to Jesus” (Mark 9:7). “My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).
Dear Jesus, I’m almost two years into wearing “acoustic enhancers”—or as I love to call them, my “ear-candy.” When my tinnitus got louder and voices grew quieter and muffled, I knew it was time to get hearing aids. It’s great to hear birds singing once again.
Though I wish I could program my hearing aids to hear your voice more clearly and louder than any other voice—alas, that’s a work of your Spirit, not something I can setup in my iPhone “app.” We’re grateful that you’re always speaking to us Jesus—always. Through the Bible, in creation, by your Spirit within our spirits—through friends we can trust, and other means you appoint—you only speak grace and life to us, never shame, contempt, or harm.
Jesus, may this be a week in which our hearts are keenly tuned to the healing, freeing, hope-fueling frequency of your voice. We’re bombarded with the devil’s lies, the inanity of vanity fair telling us what to wear, buy, and be—sometimes our own grace-less monologue is the most destructive voice of all. Right now, on this February Monday, turn up the volume on these, your words to us…
“Who is it that condemns you? Neither do I” (Jn.8:10-11). Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away, for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come (Song of Songs 2:10-12). You are my “called, loved, and kept” ones (Jude 1:1). Your life is hidden in mine (Col.3:3) and I live in you by my Spirit (Col.1:27). I am your righteousness (1 Cor.1:30-31), and you belong to me (Rom.1:6). “Do not be afraid, I hold the keys” (Rev.1:18). Very Amen, dear friends, So Very Amen.