My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27

There are an abundance of self-help guides and videos available to those who seek direction and support to accomplish an important task or make an important decision. The internet provides immediate access to information and illustrations for most any task or project, from start to finish. There is a wealth of information at one’s fingertips, just for the asking. Yet, seeking guidance and direction from God doesn’t seem so simple. In fact, it can be frustrating, confusing, and uncertain that we are hearing the voice of God. The scripture passage teaches us that we can “hear” the voice of God speak to us and “follow” His voice as sheep follow their shepherd. Little lambs learn the voice of their shepherd from older sheep who know the shepherd and who have grown to recognize the shepherd’s voice. In time, the lambs will grow to hear, recognize, and follow the shepherd’s voice. A lamb left to itself will wonder and stray from the flock, and soon fall prey to wild beast. They soon find themselves living in fear of all sorts of howling voices, confused and afraid, hunger and thirsting, cold and no comfort of a resting place. They are without their shepherd. The good shepherd who knows his sheep and cares for them, will not leave them astray, but will seek them out and bring them back to the sheepfold. God shepherds His flock and cares for His children through His Church. The Church is the body Christ, a community for the children of God, as the sheep are to the shepherd. The Church is lead by its Head to hear God and recognize His voice. Christ is the Good Shepherd and the Head of the Church. He leads us “in the way everlasting” (Ps 139:24) and “in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (Ps 23:3). My friend, God has given us His greatest gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, and blessed us with the His greatest blessing, the Church, that His children may hear Him and follow Him. Father, thank You for the love, care, and goodness that You show Your children. Thank You for the rest that is to all who are in Christ Jesus. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.