“Charlie Brown!” I waited in the doorway for a moment expecting to see my beagle running to the door wagging his tail in anticipation of getting a “treat.”

As I waited, no Charlie Brown. So, I stepped back into the house discerning that he would come running to the porch and aggressively hit the door informing me he wants to come inside.

Silence. “Charlie Brown??!!!” Still nothing. I go look out the window that overlooks the backyard. I can’t get a visual. Maybe he’s on the side of the air conditioner unit. I step into the backyard. “Charlie Brown!!!!!”

Ugggg! “He went on a field trip!” So, my search began. After a short walk I spotted his green and blue coat, his nose blissfully buried in some bushes. Gently I call, “Charlie Brown.” This time he finally responds to my call.

Beagles are known for their “selective hearing.” Bred as scent hounds they never “intend” to ignore their masters. But the minute they get catch a smell their ears seem to lose all reception.

As I was calling my beagle it came to mind how he knows and responds to my voice. This brought to remembrance the verse “my sheep know my voice” (John 10:27). Jesus announces that He is the good Shepherd. He loves His sheep, cares for them and leads them. He calls His sheep {me/us} to trust His plan and to follow Him. I looked at my beagles trusting eyes and thought about the blind trust he has in knowing we will take care of him and he is willing to follow us wherever we go.

How well do we know the Shepherds voice? And how willing are we to blindly follow His plan? Do we have selective hearing when it comes to the voice of the Shepherd?

Although Charlie Brown knows my voice there are times when he chooses not to respond. Unless he discovers there is a “treat” involved. The Shepherd calls our name. How often do we not respond or use selective hearing to decide whether to respond based on if the Shepherd has a “treat” for us?

Just like beagles are prone to be taken off by the scents of their nose. We too are taken off by the many other voices that compete for our attention. Our own ideas and insecurities, cultural values, social media and well-meaning family and friends.

What I learned through experience, the best way to tune out these other voices and not be taken off track, is to understand the Shepherds voice rarely shouts. Instead it’s a gentle whisper. It’s not always an audible voice, yet it is a clear message accompanied by peace even if the instruction in the message is not easy. Make time to intentionally tune into and learn the voice of Jesus by quietly sitting and listening.

The Shepherd loves us and wants the best for us. When we ignore His voice or disregard His call, we miss out on opportunities to better know, love and serve Him. When we tune into those other voices, we become distracted and are taken off the path of following Him. Thus, doubt of knowing His voice creeps in leaving us with doubting self. Because the Shepherd loves us sooo much, when doubt creeps in you’ll hear that gentle voice calling your name……….”Cynthia”{inset your name}. Giving us reassured confidence to take another step in trusting His plan.

PEARLStoPONDER: Is selective hearing and the desire for “treats” keeping you from hearing Jesus speak to you?

John 10:27--- My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Psalm 79:13--But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.

Psalm 100:3--Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.