“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” —John 10:27 ESV

Have you ever found an enormous amount of delight in something so small it seems silly? That’s how I feel about a mobile app a friend recently showed me. During a short, casual conversation in my yard, she whipped out her phone and said, “Look how cool this is!” She opened the Merlin Bird app, tapped a button, and started an audio recording. Instantly, the app began identifying the birdsongs all around us. In less than a minute, a list of birds, complete with a small picture, was compiled on her phone. The app then started highlighting each bird as it sang. We were both completely enamored.

Since then, I have used my phone to identify birds by their calls several times on my evening walks. One of the most surprising discoveries was that one I thought for sure was an owl was actually a Mourning Dove. Another discovery is the number of different birds identified within a small radius, and the fact that the Cardinal is seldom seen but is definitely the most chatty. It’s only been a few weeks, and I can already identify a few (okay, two) birds on my own just by listening. I have a lot to learn.

I have a lot to learn about other things, too, like discerning the sound of God’s voice. I have been “bird-app-level” obsessed with this topic for a few years now, reading and listening to almost any material available to me on the subject. Unfortunately, no app exists for the sound of God’s voice. Wouldn’t that be something!? Hit a button and have it sort through your thoughts and correctly label each one? “Lies,” “Truth,” “Self,” “Hormones,” “God.” Maybe that sounds a little strange, but wouldn’t that be useful?

For better or worse, without any help from an app, I know that discerning the voice of our Good Shepherd is possible! Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27 ESV). Perhaps one of the most valuable tools for honing our listening skills is the spiritual discipline of silence. I know, that’s not a thrilling answer. But what a powerful tool! Our silence opens doors to perception. In the quiet, we are able to listen, really listen, recognize thoughts, feelings, and “hear the voice of God.” However, this discernment comes through attention and practice and requires time invested in quiet, intentional moments.

Just as I have enjoyed learning from the Merlin app, I also enjoy absorbing a wide range of information. I enjoy Bible study and believe it is a vital part of spiritual life. Discipleship and fellowship are, too. These are all helpful in the discernment process. However, my recent venture into listening carefully to the birds reminds me of the importance of cultivating the discipline of listening to God’s voice in silence and solitude.

It may not be a perfect metaphor, but perhaps some of these “good things” are like gleaning information from the app, while setting aside time to sit and listen to God in intentional silence is like actually listening to the birds around us. There’s no substitute for the delight that comes with taking in those beautiful songs. It’s exciting to be able to identify a bird by its song, but it’s thrilling to rest in knowing the voice of our Good Shepherd. It’s well worth the effort. May we find the time for the thrill of it all.

Lord, You are the Good Shepherd. May we learn how to embrace silence and stillness to discern Your loving voice. May we truly delight in hearing from You. Shield us from lies, accusers, and imposters. Help us rest in knowing that we are Yours. Amen.

In Him,
Jayna Venturini

Sweet Selah Ministries 

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet

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