September 24 | 1 Samuel 3:10-11
“And the Lord came and stood, and calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” And the Lord said
to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel which everyone
who hears it, both their ears will tingle.” (1 Samuel 3:10–11)
There are at least two types of listening. One is intentionally. You cut out all the noise, ignoring everything around you except for the one thing you need to be listening to. There’s also passive, or selective, hearing. It lacks focus on the important things in life.
When God speaks, we must listen. Have you ever sat and just listened? Open yourself to God’s voice. Samuel was dedicated to the Temple as a young boy by his mother. He was an answer to her prayers. While he was almost asleep, he could hear God’s voice. He became the answer to Israel’s prayers. He thought Eli was calling him, but it was the Lord.
Have you mistaken another’s voice for God’s? When the Holy Spirit speaks, are you listening? The world is full of voices. Advertisers want you to buy this or that. People offer their opinion. But you must focus on God’s voice. When the Holy Spirit speaks you must recognize and respond to His voice. The only way to do that is to practice.
Action Step: Listen in the silence to the Holy Spirit’s voice. He always speaks the truth, glorifies Jesus, and agrees with Scripture. He speaks positively and builds you up even when He is correcting you.
Holy Spirit, teach me to hear Your voice through the noise. Cut through every message and open my ears to hear Your encouragement and correction. Meet me in the stillness and fill me with Your presence.
