Well, we did it. We closed the books on another year and opened the door to 2023. Happy New Year!

With this rolling over of the calendar, it also means that we in the Daily Audio Bible community completed yet another yearly journey through the Bible. Recognizing that we also just passed through another Christmas celebration as well, it got me thinking about the time between the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, and Christ’s birth. It had been 400 years.

What must the people of Israel have been thinking during that time? There were probably quite a number of them who were wondering if God had abandoned them. Who could blame them?

I think we can probably all relate–it seems to be part of the human condition to wander through the desert at times and wonder where God is.

Regardless of what’s going on in our world or in our lives, though, it’s important to remember that God still speaks to us. And even when we can’t hear him, he still works for our good.

It’s not always easy to hear God’s voice, so here are a few thoughts that have helped me.

First, remember that God, despite all of his power and might, sometimes speaks to us in a “still, small voice,” as he did with Elijah:

This means that we have to slow down and listen. It would not work for any relationship if we did not take the time to listen to what they had to say. Why should our relationship with God be any different?

We would also do well to remember that God is not in a hurry. Our lives tend to be full of activity and lived at a frenetic pace. If you’re anything like me, you need to remind yourself daily to hit the pause button on everything to give yourself a chance to speak with–and hear from–the one who is closer to us than a brother and who knows us better than we know ourselves. It is usually only in those quiet, contemplative moments that I can hear God whispering to me or feel him working on my heart.

Another thing to remember is that God has many different ways of speaking to us. It could be through direct communication, as in those moments when we hear his voice. But there are other ways as well. It could be through a Bible verse you encounter–the Scriptures are God’s love letter to us, so this should come as no surprise. This is one of many good reasons to immerse yourself in the Bible (and another good reason to jump on the Daily Audio Bible bandwagon!). God may also choose to speak to you through a friend or loved one, or even a stranger. He might pick lyrics in a song, or any other art form. He is a creative God, and he has created creative people! He is quite capable of using their art to deliver a message to you.

The point is that God speaks to us. He loves us, so he wants to comfort us, guide us, help us. Spend time listening, waiting to hear from him. Expecting to hear from him. Be attentive to the various ways he might be speaking to you and you will hear from him.