Isaiah 55: 2b-3a
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.
3 Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.
1 Samuel 3: 8-10
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. 9 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.
10 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
I find myself in listening mode these days. I am wanting to hear from God regarding many areas of my life. I tend to produce a lot of words — either in written form or spoken form — on a weekly basis, but something (likely Someone) has told me to quiet down and wait for instructions.
I am on a research team at church trying to figure out the will of God regarding an important project. I am wanting to know the best direction for my writing career at this point. I always desire to know how I can improve my relationship with Steve, our children, and our grandchildren. I have some speaking opportunities coming up soon, and I truly want to have meaningful things to say. So, I’m listening.
Are you in a similar situation? Are you constantly bombarded with voices but have to strain to pick out God’s voice in the middle of the noise? Maybe these verses can help both of us.
Psalm 37:7 — “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;”
Proverbs 18:13 — “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.”
John 10:27 — “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
These sheep were in Ireland. They were keenly aware of their shepherd’s voice (and the sound of his whistle). By listening, they knew exactly where to go and what to do.
