How many times have we heard that? Someone telling us to be quiet so we can 'hear that'; like we can hear what they are hearing... or, think they are hearing. Yet, we attempt to eliminate 'other noises' to better help us identify 'that sound'. Our devotional today goes along those same lines... quieting ourselves so we 'can' hear the very voice of God... the calling... the leading.
Now, not just anyone can hear God's voice... not just anyone can follow His leading... it's not a coupon, or some promotional sale thing going on. Life in and with the Lord is unique, special, many would say 'ordained', because John 10:14 reads; "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.", which tells us all that only His sheep follow His leading. Again, John 10:27-28 continues that premise by stating; "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (28) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
The key factor though, is that we;
Listen for His calling/leading
Follow His calling/leading
At the outset of our salvation, we may need to actually 'be still and know that I am God', as the scripture reads. As your experience grows in the Lord; as your spirit is more-n-more in tune to His leading; as your heart is listening stronger/better than your mind, you can hear His voice and distinguish His leading over and through all the worldly noise much easier... much more fluently... much more 'maturely', as it were. So much so, that your fellowship with the Lord is more and more a two-way road... an exchange, instead of just directions from Him. Jeremiah 29:12-13 points out; "Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. (13) And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.", which is certainly a much deeper relationship, a much more interactive association with the Lord. You can NOT get there merely by being submissive, quiet, and passive. It involves you being engaged in a relationship with Him, and 'alive' in your communication (listening and speaking)... a dynamic and active fellowship with Him, but you really need to stop yourself and gently say; Shhhh.... D'Ya Hear That?