How does one describe the voice of God?
- God speaks to us through His Word…a silent probing of the heart.
- He witnesses to us through His creation…as the heavens declare His majesty and the oceans resound with a steady applause. But what about the unexpected glimpses into God’s heart as He soothes a troubled soul in the midst of some most unusual circumstances?
Several years ago I witnessed God’s amazing love and compassion for me in the midst of an emotional and mentally challenging dilemma. Having returned to college and in my junior year as a non-traditional senior-citizen student, I experienced the reality of math anxiety in its full-blown evidence. As I was taking my final exam (creating an auto-cad, computer-generated set of architectural drawings,) my mind went blank and I could not even perform the most basic of computer-generated skills. It was as if my brain froze, and my heart raced in circles as I sat mortified and utterly defeated. No amount of praying, silently quoting scripture to myself, or being still seemed to bring relief. Finally, I rose and explained to my professor that I would not be able to complete the exam. She told me to go home and call her later that day.
I walked to my car, sobbing, crying out to the LORD and feeling totally helpless. I passed through the backyard of a student housing duplex. Approaching the house, I heard the most beautiful violin melody coming out the back window. It was as though the music was floating through the air and singled out for my ears alone. Immediately my heart heard the music as a beautiful love song being played by my Father in heaven. Music that reminded me that I was not a failure; I was not helpless, and all was not lost.
I can’t adequately tell you the hope and soothing balm that music ministered to me that day. My Father heard my cry for help and responded with strings on a violin…playing out a love song of courage and hope. I am thankful that in my distress, I was still able to pause and receive the gift of hope. Hope through ears that God tuned-in to His ‘frequency’ in the air waves of heaven. (Post script: Later that day I was allowed to return to the computer lab and successfully take the exam without the time restraints that foster math anxiety. AND leave a note on the door of the violinist thanking him for ministering God’s hope to me in song.)
How about you? Have you witnessed God’s soothing love song during a time of fear, despair or confusion? Share with us how you experienced God’s hope in the midst of the turmoil.
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them…The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18