(crossposted)
Again John (I) heard the voice of Jesus, the one he'd (I've) listened to intently (intently, nonchalantly, not, with fear r/t sin, intensely, wonderinly if I was still qualified to listen, as if I did not earn His voice) for over three years as a young man was (as a young woman, a vexed woman, disobedient, needing and yet not acknowledging.....)

was still powerful, continual, fresh and, above all, dependable.
Yes, my Good Shepherd is totally dependable.

 Sometimes when we are going through the dark night of trials, the Word seems dull, if not dead.

The promises that we cling to sting us in our despair. The cry of a revived believer calls out desperately to hear a word of assurance from the Lord.

Above all I NEED to know that I am His and that I am acceptable to hear His Word of reassurance.

I NEED His assurance.