Speak – I’m Listening

Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.

One night as Samuel was lying down in his usual place, the Lord called to him. He 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.” And the Lord spoke to him. (1 Samuel 3: 1-10)

Samuel was young, but he was learning to listen to God. Listening and responding is vital in our relationship with God. Although God does not always use the sound of a human voice, He always speaks clearly through His Word. To receive His messages, we must be ready to listen and to act upon what He tells us.

The Word of the Lord is only rare when we cease to turn to it, listen and obey. The people in Samuel’s day had refused to listen to God and had allowed greed to get in the way of any communication with Him.

Do you want to hear from the Lord? Is your heart and mind eager to respond as Samuel did, “Here I am Lord; Speak… I’m listening.” If it is, be assured the Lord will respond.

Be Intentional about listening to the Lord

Praises & Prayers

Father, please forgive me for closing my heart and ears to Your word. I want to hear from You and I pray that I will be ready and eager to respond when You speak. Open my mind to understand Your word and give me the courage and strength to obey. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Messages from His Word

1 Samuel 3:10

“Speak, for your servant is listening.”