Andrew Murray’s words spilling from the pages of the devotional book spoke to my heart with a freshness that could only come from the Spirit. I knew God was speaking to me from Murray’s godly wisdom. Then I heard God’s voice again. The hum of our central heater filled the room along with its warmth and comfort that chased the creeping cold from our home.

Some would think I’m a bit “off center” in my thinking, but God was affirming His care for me. He was reminding me that He cares for His own. I heard His voice. I’m sure.

I got a message from a friend this week. It didn’t come in an envelope but in a text. It was brief, but an uplifting word to read. It affirmed the spiritual growth in my friend and reminded me that God is a prayer-hearing God. Even though it was a short message, it said enough to remind me that God was answering my prayers. The text was from my friend, but I knew that it came from God. I heard Him speak encouragement to me.

The winds blew in sharp, piercing jabs this week, but I heard God’s voice over the winds. My rose bushes looked so cold and forsaken, and the pitiful little remnants of my clematis vine were losing their grip around the trellis. The frozen ground was home to our grass that crunched under my steps, and the birds were nowhere to be seen. Still, I knew my faithful Father would never depart from His Word: “As long as the earth endures … cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” The harsh winter would surrender its thermostat and allow spring to put color back into our landscape. I heard Him remind me of His promises through the wintry winds.

I watched the inauguration of our new president this week. For a brief timeslot, our nation seemed to drop their divisions and celebrate what might actually happen — a united people, different in many ways but all wanting a brighter future and peace and good will among all. It warmed my heart with hope and great expectation.

Then I woke to a new day that signaled early signs, via the news — political peace was short-lived. The fighting, threats, mud-slinging and attacks were back in the forefront of our nation. The enemy had taken a very brief respite. His devouring roar identified who he was and his intent.

But I turned away from the chaos of his influence. I listened to the Psalmist words, masterfully set to music — “Thou O Lord, are a Shield for Me.” Centuries ago, David had learned the faithfulness of His Heavenly Father who had cared for him as a shepherd, warrior and king. Thoughts of God’s faithfulness, His unconditional love for His own and His presence that is constant, blotted out the sounds of chaos and divisions. I needed to hear God’s voice. He knew that and from His Word that I have read and celebrated, He dissolved my fears — “I am your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Camille Anding, The Daily Leader, P. O. Box 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602.