Becoming familiar with the voice of God

In the opening of St. John Chrysostom’s homily on the book of Romans he writes, “As I keep hearing the Epistles of the blessed Paul read, and that twice every week, and often three or four times…gladly do I enjoy the spiritual trumpet, and get roused and warmed with the desire at recognizing the voice so dear to me, and seem to fancy him all but present to my sight and behold him conversing with me.”

This statement comes from a man who truly treasures God’s word and delights in them.  His dedication to listening to Paul’s epistles epitomize the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.

I notice 4 things in Chrysostom’s statement. 

1.  He listens to the reading of all the epistles of Paul at least twice a week. 

 Can you imagine what would happen to our souls if we spent this much time in the word of God?  Or at least listened to the reading of His word? 

2.  He enjoys it.

As we mature in our faith, God’s word becomes alive, sweeter than honey and better than life.   We should look forward to the reading of scripture and desire to turn to it often.

 3.  He is familiar with Paul’s voice.

One of the benefits of continually reading God’s word is that we become familiar with His voice.   It is just like spending time with a friend.   The more time you spend with them the more familiar you become with their voice.  Eventually you could distinguish your friend’s voice from someone else’s.

4. He imagines as if Paul is talking directly to him.

For me this is the greatest benefit of reading God’s word, because it allows God to speak to me personally.  This is the time where I can allow the word’s of God to fill my heart, mind and soul.   The more time we spend in His word the louder and clearer He will speak to us.

What a great privilege we have today to read and hear the word of God at anytime and almost anywhere.  I pray we take every advantage to do just that.   When we make a habit of continually reading or hearing the reading of God’s word, we too will begin to cherish it, hear the voice of God, and realize that He is speaking to us.