When He Speaks
by: Richman Priestly
October 6, 2026
“O you who dwell in the gardens, with companions listening for your voice; let me hear it.”
There is something about his voice. When he speaks, my heart comes alive. When he speaks, nothing else seems to matter. When he speaks, life seems full. When he speaks, I am set free.
There is just something about his voice. It seems as if when he speaks, all the things that once seemed urgent, lose their need for my attention. When he speaks, I forget the questions that I thought I needed answers too. When he speaks, he becomes big, and my problems and I become small. “…To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil.” Ecclesiastes 5:1 ESV
When he speaks, my need for clarity, resources and direction are exposed for the idols they are. When he speaks, the busyness of my heart is brought low. I finally realize that I was more interested in his provisional hand than his marvelous face. I wanted the things he could bestow more than I wanted him. I realized that I have grieved him.
And so I learn, that truly, for me it is better to quietly listen rather than continually offering him sacrifices he isn’t asking for. It is in that place that I learn the great shepherd is looking for sheep that will follow. “To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit.” Psalms 28:1 NIV
It seems as if the more I hear him speak, the less I want to avoid him. The more history I build with him, the less history I want without him. I find that he will not force himself on me, and that he will quietly allow me to neglect him in my pursuit of other things. What type of love would it be if I did not learn to choose him? So I learn, and suddenly I become less okay with going days, hours, or even minutes without thinking about him. The more I hear him speak, the more dedicated it seems I want to become. He is winning me over.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20 ESV
When he speaks, an invitation goes forth. When he knocks, I have the choice to open. He is calling me deeper into his heart. Yes, it will inconvenience me. That is intentional. Yes, I will have to surrender all of my other pursuits. But oh, the joy of when he speaks.
Prayer
O Lord, I long to hear your voice. Thank you for your great love and desire for me. I long to be one that you find interaction with on a continual basis. Teach me to listen, and turn the eyes of my heart from the worthless things of this world. In you alone God, will I look for satisfaction.
Worship: Closer, Bethel Music
Related Posts
There is something about his voice. When he speaks, my heart comes alive. When he speaks, nothing else seems to matter. When he speaks, life seems full. When he speaks, I am set free.