The Listening Heart

“I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, say-

ing, Open to me” (Song of Solomon 5:2).

To the listening heart of His loved ones, our loving and loved Lord comes. Our heart leaps to attention when we hear the voice of our Beloved. He knocks, and with stately patience, waits until we undo the door of our selfish preoccupations and admit Him to the inner chamber of our heart of hearts. He comes within, and as we hear the voice of our Beloved, our unrest is soothed; we are no longer terrified and afraid; we possess the peace of His presence. He is with us, and He is the Lord of peace to give a permanent peace to hearts that listen (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

Beloved, do we covet earnestly the calm delight of personal communion with the Lord? It is a choice experience, priceless and unique, known to those who love His voice and prepare the heart to listen for it, whether in the midnight stillness or the midday bustle. Those whose hearts are awake and listening will assuredly hear the voice of their Beloved.

—The Bible Monthly