Listening to the Voice of God

Read

1 Samuel‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭10‬ ‭

Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. ² And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, ³ and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the Lord where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, ⁴ that the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am!” ⁵ So he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” And he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” And he went and lay down. ⁶ Then the Lord called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” ⁷ (Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him.) ⁸ And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. ⁹ Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. ¹⁰ Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”

THINK

Our world these days is fast-paced and inundated with messages everywhere – through advertising, social media, entertainment – you name it!  There is no shortage of opinions shared, distractions, or responsibilities that keep us trying to stay afloat in our daily lives.  It can all feel hectic to say the least! 

Often, in the midst of all these distractions and messages, it can be difficult to slow down.  Sometimes, we may even get caught up in earthly things that we forget to be intentional in our time with the Lord.  

When thinking about spending time with the Lord, we typically think of two things: reading the Bible and praying.  But today, I want to encourage you in your prayer life.  The next time you pray, invite the Lord to speak to you.  Take time to listen to what He might have to say.  

When you receive yet another message, advertisement, opinion, or whatever other “voice” it may be, ask God what He thinks.  And in your quiet time, invite and ask the Lord to speak to you.  Elevate God’s voice above all others, and practice listening to His voice and message for you above all the other messages you receive each day.  Like Samuel, may we say, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”  

PRAY

Lord, I thank you for all You have done for me and for the sweet relationship with You that You offer me.  I pray You help me to listen to Your voice, and I pray You speak to me and guide me.  I pray You soften my heart and prime my ear for Your voice, and I pray I don’t merely speak to You, but also take time to listen to what You have to say to me.  Please let me know Your thoughts about situations in my life, or whatever it be that I need to hear from You.  I love You, Lord, and I want to hear Your voice.  I want to hear Your voice more than any other.  

In Jesus name,

Amen.