Your Servant is Listening
READ
Many of us complain that God “doesn’t speak to us”—at least, not as often or directly as He does to the “really good” Christians. However, God is always calling out to all of us. We don’t have to be an ordained minister or full-time philanthropist to hear the voice of God. Despite how we may feel, God is never inactive or silent. We can hear God’s “still, small voice,” if only we slow down and open our hearts to receive His Word (1 Kings 19:11-13).
God’s call doesn’t always reach us as an audible voice or a miraculous sign from the heavens. God speaks to us in unique—and often subtle—ways. He communicates to us through nature, music, scripture, sermons, and circumstances. He reaches out to us and gives us direction through the love, friendship, and wisdom of others.
The struggle to discern God’s voice is not a new problem. Believers from all generations have struggled to hear God and embrace what He says. When God spoke to the prophet Samuel as a young boy, Samuel thought that it was Eli, his mentor, who was speaking to him. Samuel missed God’s voice—not once, but three times. But the Lord was patient with Samuel and continued to call out to him. God used Eli to help Samuel discern that it was God who was speaking. Samuel finally opened his heart to God and humbly received what He had to say.
Let’s take a moment to read 1 Samuel 3:8-10:
The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if He calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord , for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
REFLECT
Eli gave Samuel wise advice—he instructed him to “lie down” and listen attentively for God’s voice. In order to hear God, we must pause and wait patiently for God to speak to us. In the hurry and hustle of modern life, it is often difficult to hear God’s voice. As we rush through our days, we can easily miss God’s quiet, loving whisper. However, if we truly desire to be God’s disciples, we must make time to be still, quiet ourselves, and open our hearts to Him.
Samuel’s reply to God’s call was beautiful: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.” Samuel’s words ought to inform how we respond to God’s voice today. Samuel took the posture of a reverent servant, one who was ready and willing to receive God’s direction. When God speaks to us, He may not say what we want to hear. Often, He calls us to surrender habits and patterns of thinking that we don’t want to let go of. He calls us to repent and humble ourselves before Him. What God asks of us is rarely easy or simple.
But being a disciple of the Most High means going where He leads us, even when He guides us into a season of challenge and growth.
The Lord asked Samuel to deliver devastating news to Eli—news he likely didn’t want to give. Samuel had to tell his beloved mentor that God would punish his household on account of his sons’ blasphemy. Though God’s message to Samuel wasn’t easy to receive or pass along, he was faithful and obedient to God’s instructions.
As we strive to be God’s disciples, we can follow Samuel’s example. Though he was only a young boy, he trusted that God wouldn’t command him to do or say anything that was outside the scope of His perfect, pleasing will. He was receptive to the Lord’s voice, and prepared to act in accordance with His Word.
RESPOND
Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.
In what unique ways might God be calling out to you in your current season of life? What might be standing in the way of you being able to hear His voice?
Are you being receptive to God’s call?
REST
Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:
Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking to us, for calling out to us. Thank You for offering us Your loving guidance and direction. Forgive us for not slowing down, pausing, and listening to You. Help us to be receptive to Your call, even when it is difficult to internalize what You say and act upon it. Let us be obedient to You, because You are wise, and Your commands are good. Amen.
Port City writer Kate Redenbaugh wrote today’s devotional.