Last night a sound alerted my senses. Was it a child, or an animal? A neighbor, or a radio? I strained, but I couldn’t distinguish the source. I love closed captioning for my Brit shows, but it wasn’t an option for these night noises. How different for God! When he hears a sound He knows both the source and the cause—He never needs closed captions.
The sounds we delight in most were created by Him and give Him pleasure too. I imagine He loves the roar of the waves, the crash of thunder, the crescendo of a waterfall, the gurgle of a stream, the purr of a kitten, the hum of a hymn. How much more does God savor the sound of His children’s voices!
I remember holding my baby, listening to her breathe. Ever on mom-alert, I could hear her yawn, stretch, and move. I was familiar with her every sound, but not as attuned as God is to us. He hears our sighs, our whispers, our gasps, our shouts, and even our unspoken words.
He revels in our words of praise and listens for them. God loves us to hear us initiate conversation with Him. He listens for our calls for help and directs us. He’s attentive to our complaints and refocuses us. He hears our sobs and comforts us. Every cry of pain, plea for intervention, and call for wisdom is heard. He overhears our conversations when we speak about Him with friends—and He records our words (Malachi 3:16)!
God hears our words and He hears our hearts. He is attuned to the pulse of our souls.
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Psalm 139:1-6
BARBARA HIGBY 