God's Presence in His Voice
Have you ever listened to your voice recorded and thought, “Is that really what my voice sounds like?” I think it is safe to say that we have all had that happen. Recently, I interviewed one of the pastors at my church while I had a cold. When I listened to the recording, I heard all the stuffiness and coughing, and, weirdly, it reminded me that I was, indeed, sick—as if feeling achy, coughing, and a sore throat weren’t enough.
As I considered how odd my voice sounded, I was immediately struck by memories of God’s voice in my life. Over the years, in different seasons and moments, I have heard God speak in many different ways, yet my need for God’s voice has not changed. What God says to us and how He communicates will vary, but His presence will always be there as He speaks.
The Bible describes God's voice in varying ways, yet it is always God’s voice, speaking with a desire to guide, comfort, and show us His presence in our lives so our faith and knowledge of Him can grow.
In the Old Testament, God’s voice is often described as “thunder,” loud and awe-inspiring. When God spoke like this, it showed His power, clarity, purpose, righteousness, and sovereignty.
“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.”
Psalm 29:3
“The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded.”
2 Samuel 22:14
“God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.”
Job 37:5
Yet, in 1 Kings 19:11-13, Elijah heard the voice of God in a gentle whisper, after God was not in a powerful wind, an earthquake, or a fire. God’s voice was tender and quiet - yet it was still the same God whose voice thunders.
In both the Old and New Testaments, there are numerous verses and passages of Scripture we can read that show how God desires that we hear Him and listen to Him.
“And that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.”
Deuteronomy 30:20
“For he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice.”
Psalm 95:7
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10:27
Many passages in Scripture also show how God’s voice appears when His words have a specific purpose. In Matthew 17:5, for example, we read how the voice of God solidifies and blesses Jesus as His son as Christ prepares for His ministry.
“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
Matthew 17:5
“Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again. The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine.”
John 12:28-30
This chapter of John covers Jesus’ last public teaching, yet when we read it, we know that God’s voice had a different purpose but the same intent—to show unity with Jesus as His Son, as Christ helped people prepare for His crucifixion and resurrection.
It is humbling and astounding to know that God’s voice speaks to us at particular moments with specific messages and that He desires us to hear Him, whether speaking loudly or quietly. Not only that, but because of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, He can and will speak to us in various ways through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and others.
The more we spend with Him, the more we can know and recognize His voice - regardless of what is going on in our lives or how we feel because His voice will always give us what we need when we need it.
Think About It
When was the last time you heard the voice of God?
What was going on when you heard it?
What did he say to you?
What did you do with the words He spoke to you?
Pray About it
Lord, thank you for your voice. It is truly humbling to know that the God of the universe, who knows me better than I could ever know myself, desires to spend time with me. Thank you for showing us who you are in your divinely inspired Scripture. Help me to listen to You with the intent of doing as You say and walking in the freedom You provide.
Amen