Speak, Lord

“Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:9b HCSB

Young Samuel was given to the priest Eli when he was weaned from his mother Hannah.  He was being raised by the old priest whose eyesight was failing.  In those days the word from the Lord was rare.  One evening laying down in the tabernacle the Lord called to Samuel.  Samuel not recognizing the voice ran to Eli and asked Eli what he wanted, to which Eli said, “I didn’t call, my son”.  This happened three times before Eli realized what was happening.  He instructed Samuel to go back and when he heard the voice again to reply, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”  In the life of Samuel this is the first of many conversations with God.  

 I love the innocence of young Samuel.  A young boy raised from the very beginning in the ways of the Lord.  Several things I take from this when I read it, firstly Samuel in a place to hear the Lord.  It was the tabernacle, but mainly it was still and quiet.  In our world today we very rarely have quiet.  There is always sound, distracting sound.  We have music and television in a verity of formats.  We can’t go anywhere these days and not have one or both.  My son sits on the couch watching TV listening to his mp3 player! We need to unplug and listen.  Find somewhere quiet, go for a walk, and discipline yourself for silence.   

Secondly, Samuel was expecting.  He was waiting to hear from the Lord, expectantly.  So how does God speak to us today?  God speaks to us in the quiet, the small still voice in our hearts.  He speaks to us through his word as we pray fully read. God also speaks to us through other believers and lastly through circumstances.  I believe God speaks today and we have to test what is said against the Bible.  God’s voice will never contradict His word.  But the big question is not weather God speaks but if we are willing to listen.  I feel many of us fear more what God will tell us to do more than hearing His voice.    

Lord give us the heart of Samuel!  A heart waiting to hear from you.  Lord speak to us, give us hearts longing to hear your voice.  Guide us and direct us.  Give us willing spirits to trust and obey today!  Amen.