Speak Lord, for your servant is listening. (1 Samuel Chapter 3)

Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down and if he calls you say, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” -1 Samuel 3:9

Three times, Samuel heard the Lord call his name, but Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and did not recognize his voice.  He assumed it was Eli calling him.

So often, we complain that God doesn’t speak to us.  We cannot hear his soft voice, or it isn’t very clear.  How do we know if it’s God’s voice?  The advice from Eli, in the Word, is perfect advice for us!  Whether it is reading the word, hearing a sermon that you are certain was preached just for you, or the words of a friend, or maybe that soft whisper or loud shout to your heart, respond by saying, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”

While studying this chapter this morning, I came across the coolest old story that I had to share:

  A Native American and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking near Times Square, during the noon lunch hour. The streets were filled with people, cars were honking, taxicabs were squealing around corners, and sirens were wailing; the sounds of the city were almost deafening. The Native American suddenly said, “I hear a cricket.” His friend exclaimed, “What? You must be crazy. You couldn’t possibly hear a cricket in all this noise!” The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked across the street to a big, cement planter. He looked into the bushes and sure enough located a small cricket. His friend was amazed. “That’s incredible. You must have super-human ears!” “No,” said the Native American. “My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you’re listening for.” “But that can’t be!” said his friend. “I could never hear a cricket in this noise.” “Here, let me show you,” he replied. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk. With the noise of the crowded street still blaring, every head within 20 feet turned to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs. “See what I mean?” asked the Native American. “It all depends on what you’re listening for.” If we are tuned in to hear God, we can hear Him speak in spite of all the distracting things around us.

Father, help us to listen for your voice.  Help us to tune in to your words.  Help us to not be distracted so much that we miss your voice.  Fix our eyes, and hearts on you, so that we too can hear your voice.  Speak Lord, your servant is listening.