Some of the inspiration behind The Voice – you can sample this melody at https://www.stantonlanier.com/the-voice.php (just copy into your browser). By the time I was in high school I had become a worrier and perfectionist, and was overly conscious of what others thought of me. The voice I often heard in my mind was my own, criticizing my performance and pouring on more pressure to succeed. God was part of my life, but it took a long time before I deeply explored the possibility of hearing His voice. Could He actually guide my steps in life? Could He provide the wisdom, discernment and comfort that I needed?  Could I really hear His voice? The more I have pursued this, the more I have encountered profound conversations and intimacy with a God who cares for me beyond my comprehension. Try playing this melody in an extra quiet place . . . be still . . . and listen.  “. . . the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still, small voice . . . Elijah heard the voice. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (1 Kings 19:11-13; Isaiah 30:21). Pursuing God and hearing His voice more clearly are lifelong pursuits that will never reach perfection in my lifetime, but making progress one day at a time and by God’s grace is definitely worthwhile.