Our five senses are such a gift. They allow us to experience the world in amazing ways. While I love seeing children play or tasting great Italian food, hearing is the most important of the senses to me. This is probably because I lost part of mine as a small child. In school, I always sat at one of the desks in the front of the classroom. Not because I was the teachers pet but because I was hard of hearing. As I got older, I trained myself to read lips. That was a huge help. However, when my career led me to working in surgery every day reading lips was no longer an option because everyone wears a surgical mask.
Of all the sounds I miss out on hearing, God’s voice is the most heart breaking. When I read in the bible about people hearing His voice (Exodus 3:4; Matthew 3:17; Luke 9:35) I took it literally. I wanted to audibly hear him so much. I still do. I remember sitting in a pew of my empty church one night years ago. I waited patiently to hear even just one word. I prayed so hard begging him to speak to me. After hours of silence, I left feeling sad and unworthy. My mind was filled with questions; other people hear his voice so why can’t I? Am I doing something wrong? Is he talking and I just can’t hear him?
That got me thinking. What is the difference between hearing and listening? I learned that “hearing is an accidental and automatic brain response to sound that requires no effort. Listening is purposeful and focused. It requires motivation and effort.” (lumen learning.com)
Eventually I came to better understand that God talks to me in many ways. I can recognize Him through his words in the bible; through the thoughts and ideas in my mind, from those nudges I experience. He talks to me through family and friends or even a complete stranger. He talks to me through words I read not only in the bible but maybe a bumper sticker on the car in front of me, from a billboard or even a text message on my phone.
While I still wish I could audibly hear God’s voice, I am listening to him. I know He is talking to me. So I use my other four senses to better hear Him.
“ Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” Hebrews 3:15 (NIV)
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 (NIV)
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 (NIV)
Big Prayer Warrior 
Thank you for this post. Whereas my hearing is very good, my eyesight is very poor. I have wondered why God left me in this condition, but as I grew in faith I realized that it was a gift. Everything I see is so precious to me and I notice details that others with good vision miss.
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Bob, Seeing and appreciating the details in life is a gift even when they may first appear otherwise. It is amazing how our faith can help us see and hear more clearly. Thank you for your comment.
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I’m glad I was able to catch up on your blogs. I know it was hard to leave all that you and Bob had (work, friends, your sons, church etc). You are resilient! I’m glad that your faith and prayers keep you going, and give you comfort. Hugs 🤗
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Kathy, My apologies for the delay in responding to your comment. I’m so glad you were able to get caught up and hope you will continue to be a follower. Thank you for your kind support in saying I am resilient. You are correct; my faith most definitely keeps me strong and moving forward. Just as the miles between us have increased so has my love and respect for my friends. I miss you lots.
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