Passage: 1 Samuel 3:8-10

    The Lord called Samuel a third time, 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.”

Insight: God was speaking to Samuel, but Samuel did not know how to listen to God yet. Eli began to teach Samuel how to listen to God. It is one of the most important skills in our spiritual lives. If we don’t listen to God, then we can make the wrong decisions and run ahead of God’s timing. Saul is someone who failed to inquire of God (1 Chronicles 13:3), and his life took a downward spiral. In a time of battle, however, David was careful to check in with God and ask not only what decision to make but also how to carry out the plan, too. (1 Chronicles 4:8-17).

        We need to spend time with God so we can learn from Him 1) what to do 2) when to do it and 3) how to do it. All three of those aspects are very important, and we can only gain that information by listening. Many people will make the right decision but have the wrong timing. We must keep in step with the Holy Spirit.

Eli’s advice for listening to God:

1) Be Still. Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down”: Psalm 46:10 also tells us to be still and know that He is God. So be still. Turn off your cell phone and your computer and your TV and begin to tune into God. Find a position where you humble yourself before God.

2) Be Patient. Eli added the phrase: “…And if He calls you”. Don’t try to force it or pretend like God is communicating if He is not telling you anything. You don’t have to try to be extra spiritual. Job said that there are times when we don’t hear His direction (Job 23:8-9). Don’t be discouraged. God knows when He wants to speak.

3) Be Open. Eli explained, “Say ‘speak, for your servant is listening’ ”. Don’t just say this phrase, mean it. This phrase tells God that you desire His direction, and it also communicates that you are humble before Him. You truly want to do whatever He says. You are listening as a servant. When you hear His voice, act on it as He leads.

Final Thoughts: One thing that is true about God is that He loves to communicate with us. He is a personal God and He guides us with His voice. God is creative with how He communicates. The primary revelation we have is through the Bible. If any revelation contradicts the Scripture, then we know it is not from God. God also speaks through His Spirit: teaching, rebuking, and giving insight and direction. Another way God talks is through His people. Surround yourself with wise people who can speak truth into your life. God can also use circumstances, nature, and even angels to bring His message. As you spend time reading the Bible, you can grab a pen and paper so you can write down what God is communicating to you.

Application Questions

Do you spend more time talking with God or listening to Him?
Do you have a place where you can go to be quiet and hear God?
What is your attitude when you listen to God- are you teachable?
What distractions do you need to get rid of in your life so you can hear God better?
What has God been saying to you recently?

Deeper: John 16:14-16, Proverbs 12:15, Hebrews 4:12-13, John 17:14-17, Luke 10:38-42

Passage: 1 Samuel 3:8-10

    The Lord called Samuel a third time, 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.”

Insight: God was speaking to Samuel, but Samuel did not know how to listen to God yet. Eli began to teach Samuel how to listen to God. It is one of the most important skills in our spiritual lives. If we don’t listen to God, then we can make the wrong decisions and run ahead of God’s timing. Saul is someone who failed to inquire of God (1 Chronicles 13:3), and his life took a downward spiral. In a time of battle, however, David was careful to check in with God and ask not only what decision to make but also how to carry out the plan, too. (1 Chronicles 4:8-17).

        We need to spend time with God so we can learn from Him 1) what to do 2) when to do it and 3) how to do it. All three of those aspects are very important, and we can only gain that information by listening. Many people will make the right decision but have the wrong timing. We must keep in step with the Holy Spirit.

Eli’s advice for listening to God:

1) Be Still. Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down”: Psalm 46:10 also tells us to be still and know that He is God. So be still. Turn off your cell phone and your computer and your TV and begin to tune into God. Find a position where you humble yourself before God.

2) Be Patient. Eli added the phrase: “…And if He calls you”. Don’t try to force it or pretend like God is communicating if He is not telling you anything. You don’t have to try to be extra spiritual. Job said that there are times when we don’t hear His direction (Job 23:8-9). Don’t be discouraged. God knows when He wants to speak.

3) Be Open. Eli explained, “Say ‘speak, for your servant is listening’ ”. Don’t just say this phrase, mean it. This phrase tells God that you desire His direction, and it also communicates that you are humble before Him. You truly want to do whatever He says. You are listening as a servant. When you hear His voice, act on it as He leads.

Final Thoughts: One thing that is true about God is that He loves to communicate with us. He is a personal God and He guides us with His voice. God is creative with how He communicates. The primary revelation we have is through the Bible. If any revelation contradicts the Scripture, then we know it is not from God. God also speaks through His Spirit: teaching, rebuking, and giving insight and direction. Another way God talks is through His people. Surround yourself with wise people who can speak truth into your life. God can also use circumstances, nature, and even angels to bring His message. As you spend time reading the Bible, you can grab a pen and paper so you can write down what God is communicating to you.

Application Questions

Do you spend more time talking with God or listening to Him?
Do you have a place where you can go to be quiet and hear God?
What is your attitude when you listen to God- are you teachable?
What distractions do you need to get rid of in your life so you can hear God better?
What has God been saying to you recently?

Deeper: John 16:14-16, Proverbs 12:15, Hebrews 4:12-13, John 17:14-17, Luke 10:38-42