1 Samuel 3:9-18 – Is That You, God?

Read 1 Samuel 3:9-18

In this Bible passage, we encounter Samuel and Eli with the memorable story of God reaching out audibly with His message. It’s helpful to know that Samuel was a young boy being mentored by Eli, the priest. Samuel would grow up to be a faithful prophet used by God for some important tasks, like anointing King David. God wanted to make sure Samuel recognized his voice early in life. Samuel also has two books named after him in the Old Testament!

For us, this passage reminds us of the importance of listening for God. We’re starting a new theme in our Discovering the Bible Challenge called “Listening to God’s Word.” We’ll walk through some great Bible texts giving us insights into the importance of listening to God rather than the mumblings of the world. Isn’t it great that God still speaks to us, too!

God can speak to us in many ways. Like Samuel, sometimes we can hear God’s voice. Not everybody hears God’s voice or recognizes who they’re hearing. I’ll never forget my own experience several years ago when I was at a crossroads, wondering what direction God wanted me to go. At first, I thought I may have been imagining it, but a voice said, “You are going to write for me.” As an author of Bible devotional books, that message was clearly on point and gave me such comfort.

For us to hear God in this way, we need to be quietly listening. Samuel was woken up in the middle of the night. When are your quiet times with God? When we are able to shut out the noise of the world and the distractions of life, we can listen for God in the stillness. Psalm 46:10 is one verse that helps ground me, and it says, “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” We can honor God with our devotion and quiet reverence.

Another way God speaks to us is through the Bible, God’s living word. With the help of the Holy Spirit, God can speak to our hearts each time we read the pages of Scripture. When you open up your Bible, be sure to ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding. Allow yourself time with God’s Word to let those insights blossom.

God will also use people, pastors, or other believers, to bring you the answers you are seeking. Again, keep in mind that God’s timing is always perfect. It’s hard to be patient and wait on God to reveal his direction.

Sometimes God’s answer is “no” or “not yet.” Samuel received a message that was hard to hear. He didn’t want to imagine judgment would befall his teacher, Eli. Despite the prophetic word, Eli accepted it as God’s plan, and that’s another great example for us.

If you’re not sure if you’re hearing God or just your own hopes and dreams speaking to you, find your own Eli. Who is that trusted Christian friend in your life who can help you discern? You can also pray and simply ask, “Is that you, God?”

The bottom line for us to learn going forward is to trust God to speak to you. Like Samuel says, “Speak, LORD, your servant is listening.” Then don’t forget to listen.

Let’s pray. Father, forgive me for the times I rush ahead and fail to listen for your voice. I trust you to guide and direct my life, and I long to hear from you. Thank you that I have the Bible to read. Your messages ring out anew each day. Give me open ears to hear you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.