Your Servant is Listening

So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”

Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy. So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed.

And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”

And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”  1 Samuel 3:8-10

We live in a world that is fast paced and ever changing. We are pushed to do more with less, and situations force us to give them our entire attention. With all that goes about me, I find it difficult at times to not only speak to God but also and more importantly to hear Him. Now I realize that God does not speak to me all of the time, and there may be some of you out there who may have never heard God speak at all. But He does speak, and if you are in tune to Him, He speaks a lot! But how can one hear God when all about them is going on? For me, I have to find a moment where there is utter and complete silence. I have to be careful the voice I hear is not the one in my head. You know that voice. The same voice that tells you to eat a bunch of Doritos even if you know they are not good for you. God’s voice is distinct, and is the voice of love, guidance, and discipline. But how are we to know when God is speaking to us?

We will hear God speak to us only if we are willing to receive Him. This story of Samuel is one of my favorites for we all at times wonder what voice we are hearing is. What Eli, Samuel’s Dad, said should not be lost in understanding these verses. How often have we tried to mute out God’s voice saying to ourselves, “I know what is best for me,” or, “I do not wish to hear you?” If we were to follow what Eli said to his son answering, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening,” God will speak clearly to us. Sometimes, He might say “Don’t worry about the obstacles you see in front of you. Trust in me. I am with you!” Other times, He will say, “This is wrong, and you know it.” Just like preparation is the key to success, we too must prepare our hearts and minds to receive God’s word in both writing and thought. Then, you will hear God’s voice in situations where you have doubt, and then see His awesome power create changes in your life.

We must always be receptive to the voice of God. With the many distractions the world places in our way, we must be vigilant in ensuring we do what is necessary to connect with Him. So if you feel you need to hear from God, take a walk by yourself. Go to a quiet place in your house. And yes, even take a long drive if necessary. What is God calling you to do today? How will ensure you are receptive to God’s voice? My prayer is that when God speaks, we like Samuel are willing to answer, “Speak, your servant is listening.” Amen.