A few weeks ago, I met with a young man who is in the final semester of his college education. Let’s call him Bob. With graduation looming, Bob is in a panic about what to do next.

 

“Gary! What am I supposed to do with the rest of my life?” were the words he uttered as the first wave of terror began to wash over him. Bob is a young man of faith. He firmly believes God has a plan for his life—one that provides a future, hope, the best things for him, and that he would not be abandoned. Yet, he asks the question anyway. Despite his belief in God, he feels fear about the unknown in part because he’s hearing other voices that generate doubt.

 

His question is not unlike the questions so many of us ask, especially those of us who express faith in God. The problem is, like Bob, we either don’t listen or are not expecting to hear.

 

GOD’S MANY VOICES

 

A few months ago, I read a book by author Liz Ditty: God’s Many Voices: Learning to Listen—Expectant to Hear. At first, I was attracted by the title. Like Bob, I have often been confused by all the voices running through my brain. I picked up Liz’s book after my conversation with Bob. Let me tell you a little about the book and my impressions of it.

 

WACKY!

 

Liz writes with significant transparency into her own life of faith. 

 

Growing up, she faced many challenges commonly found in a strict religious upbringing. She talks about the challenges in a forthright manner with just enough humor to let the reader know she wasn’t devastated by the dysfunction she describes. 

 

As I read the book, I pictured myself sitting down with Liz over a cup of coffee as she shared her wacky experiences. Truth is, I saw the same doubts, questions, fears, and uncertainty in my own life. Reading the book—having her “talk” to me— helped me to cut through the noise of spiritual life and truly hear what God has to say.

 

LEARNING TO LISTEN TO GOD

 

Part One of the book focuses on listening to God. She contends God doesn’t scream or shout or pitch a fit to get our attention. In fact, she says, He comes to us most often in a small, still voice—a whisper— demonstrating “I am not far from God, and He is not far from me.” I draw closer to God and I hear His voice more clearly, which draws me even closer.

 

In the remainder of Part One, she talks about recognizing the expressions used by God in communicating with us as well as the invitations He offers for us to listen. 

 

In her transparency, she states “I would rather God—or anyone for that matter—be impressed with me than love me.” I saw myself in this. Perhaps my desire to impress God is why I am reluctant to listen to Him?

 

EXPECTING TO HEAR FROM GOD

 

Part Two offers practical tips on how we can be expectant to hear. She offers a variety of helpful recommendations. I especially like the chapter on nature (Chapter 9: A Voice that Speaks in Beauty All Around Us). I receive great comfort in God’s creation.

 

CONCLUSION

 

We all need to discern God’s voice and listen for Him, to avoid confusion and doubt and instead reinforce our faith and trust. I know I need it. How about you?

 

God’s Many Voices: Learning to Listen—Expectant to Hear will give you a new perspective on hearing God for yourself. Liz Ditty will be a name you will hear more of in authentic Christian writing.

 

I think I’ll order a copy for Bob.