Once in a while, when I call my mother, she’ll think it’s my Sister. “Babe?” she’ll ask. And I say, “No, it’s me!” I don’t actually have to tell her my name; it just takes a few more words before she recognizes my voice. Then we go on catching up and talking about everything and nothing.

That’s the way it is with our people. We recognize the voices of those closest to us, the people we interact with frequently and with whom we share our lives. Voices are distinctive, each with its unique quality, timbre, and tone, and we love hearing the voices of those we love. My husband’s voice is deep and resonant, and I find it powerful and soothing (almost always!). My children’s voices are all distinctive, and even their vocabulary and rate of speaking are unique to them.

But the voice I love to hear most is God’s. When He speaks, it affects me like nothing else. His voice changes the atmosphere, changes my heart and attitude, and changes circumstances. The Psalmist, David, was also enthralled by God’s voice.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon leap like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the Lord shakes the desert; the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, “Glory!” The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. (Psalm 29:3-11 NIV)

I often fail to appreciate the power in God’s voice. This Psalm portrays God’s voice as a mighty storm that breaks and uproots trees, strikes the ground with fiery bolts of lightning, and shakes the earth with its thundering. His voice moves entire regions, like Lebanon, and relocates mountains, like Sirion. When the voice of the Lord speaks, His breath comes with such force that forests are stripped bare. And it was in obedience to His voice that the floodwaters covered the earth as the ark of Noah was lifted up and floated safely, while God Himself remained fully in control of the earthly chaos.

It is His voice that I long to hear. In my darkest, lowest moments, days that are filled with grief, tragedy, and disappointment, I crave the Lord’s voice. Though I may desire Him to change my circumstances, His voice changes the atmosphere, my focus, and my heart. Likewise, on my very best days, His voice carries confirmation, assurance, favor, and blessing beyond anything on earth. His voice is never tiresome and definitely not boring. When I hear His voice speaking to me, bringing the Bible to life as He instructs and corrects me, or reminds me of His promises, I am filled with joy just because He is speaking. His voice, echoing Scripture I have hidden in my heart, is tangible hope and stability when I feel inadequate and unsure.

Psalm 29 carefully places the voice of the Lord in its rightful place. The waters may be powerful—powerful enough to flood the earth at God’s command, to break open the earth and create deep valleys while the earth shifted, forming majestic mountains. But the voice of the Lord is over the waters; His throne is over the flood. No matter the turmoil, God remains sovereign. He is in control and has perfect peace to give to His people.

The Lord speaks. Every day, the Lord is speaking. And, while I dare not limit how God may speak, I know that we indeed have the holy Scripture, which is the word of God. Most often, it is through the Bible that we hear His voice. The Holy Spirit can enliven a verse or passage, making it come alive and speak directly to our hearts.

Yes, God is speaking, but we must listen. Just as I know the voices of those I love, we learn to recognize the Lord’s voice through daily fellowship with Him in His Word. Open your Bible and listen closely—because the God who thunders over the waters still speaks peace, hope, strength, and life to His people. What is He saying to you?

Listen Up!

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