We can’t hear Him because we have the volume of the world turned up so loud that it drowns out the voice of God. That appears like a simple statement, yet it seems profoundly true. When was the last time you heard a regular church attender say God spoke to me last night? Or when did that person say I’m to busy, I need to slow down and listen for God? It doesn’t happen too much in our modern high-tech environment.
The lad, Samuel, was awakened from his sleep by God. He arose and went to the priest, Eli, and asked, “What do you want?” Eli responded, “I didn’t call you, go back to bed.” Then it happened again. Samuel once again returned to Eli and asked, “What do you want?” Eli replied “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.” When it occurred again, Eli said, “If this takes place again reply, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'” (I Samuel 3:10 CSB) The next time that Samuel was awakened that night, Samuel answered the Lord.
Samuel didn’t have music or technology blaring in his ears. He was sleeping. He didn’t say, God help me to turn down the volume of the world so I can hear your whispering voice. He was ready to listen and respond to the God of heaven and earth.
How does God get your attention? Can He whisper and you will hear? Does he yell to you? Does He place you in some situation where you will finally look to Him for guidance? That is an uncomfortable spot.
Hindsight, and experience will teach His children to listen to that whisper. Wouldn’t it be easier to listen the first time? Samuel learned to listen to God as a young man. His life shows that he learned this lesson well.
