As science continues to progress, explorations reveal new and exciting things.
Over the years we have learned that animals can communicate with each other. Roars, barks, whines, meows, chirps, squeaks all convey a message of one kind or another.
Did you know the chirps and clicks of dolphins convey messages? Did you know that orcas (aka killer whales) can learn to “speak” the language of dolphins? Whale songs are heard over great distances above and below the water as they converse with one another.
It is all pretty amazing. And I think it is pretty arrogant of human beings to think that animals are not very smart or don’t communicate in meaningful ways. They are and they do. Perhaps we are the not-so-smart ones because we don’t know their languages.
I recently learned about a phenomenon I often wondered about.
Emerging scientific studies suggest that there is an ongoing conversation in the forest —between trees. We are not able to hear it, but the conversation between trees seems to be quite real. They communicate through scents in the air and through the roots beneath our feet.
In his book, "The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate; Discoveries from a Secret World," Peter Wohlleben says trees “release scent compounds that are specifically formulated for the task at hand.” That is, they inform one another through scents carried along by the breeze.
For example, they may warn of a common threat. Their roots talk to one another through the vast network of interconnections.
I ask you, just because a “voice” is heard that we cannot understand, does that mean attempts at communication are not being made? Are human beings really the only ones capable of sentient conversation? Hardly!
Here's a tougher question. Just because you do not hear God speaking to you in auditory words directly from his mouth to your ears, does that mean God is silent and not communicating with you? Hardly!
God speaks to each person in many different ways: through the scriptures, during prayer, by actions and activities in which you are involved, through the care, comfort, guidance, admonition, and discipline from other people.
An open mind and heart will enable you to look for how God is communicating with you. When you are willing to open yourself to pay attention to situations and circumstances around you, when you are willing to recognize the fact that God is always present with you, you will recognize how God is communicating with you.
Listen for God’s voice. It is as clear as a bell when you pay attention.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: God speaks to us in various ways