Day 3: Hearing God's Call
The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” -1 Samuel 3:1-10
Devotional:
Ever wonder why so many of us are so desperate to hear from God? I have a theory: Life is loud! I have four incredible children whom I am beyond blessed to call mine. Their presence is a comfort to me in almost every way. They're just loud! And I know, one day I’ll miss the noise around our house. I will. But loud is what we mostly have right now. And quiet is where we hear God. I’ve said this more than once recently, but here goes again: quiet is a commodity. It costs something. Especially in this fast paced frenetic world we live in today. In order to have quiet it will cost you something. You’ll have to say no to something, give up something, walk away from something, etc. But it’s worth it. Studies have actually proven that quiet time reduces stress, improves mental focus, improves sleep patterns, and even enhances physical health! Not to mention the spiritual benefits. When you quiet yourself and your environment you actually make space to listen for God.
In a time when “the word of the Lord was rare,” young Samuel heard a voice calling his name. It took him several tries to recognize it as God’s voice, but once he understood, he answered, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Samuel’s readiness to listen reveals the importance of having a heart prepared to hear God. We often expect God to speak in big, unmistakable ways, but Samuel shows us that God may call in the quiet moments of our lives. The key is learning to discern His voice and making space for it. As we tune our hearts to recognize when He is speaking, we are better equipped to say, "Yes, Lord," even when we may not understand His purpose right away.
Reflection Questions:
How can you create space to listen for God’s call in your life?
When God speaks, are you prepared to answer as Samuel did?
Prayer Prompt:
Ask God to help you recognize His voice and to give you the courage to respond with, “Speak, Lord, I’m listening.”