How to Hear God in Our Lives: 1 Samuel 3:1–10

by Angela Girdley

 

I remember a cute little puppet skit about the story of Samuel. The puppet, little Sally, told how Hannah had prayed for a little boy, and when God granted her request, Hannah took Samuel to the Temple as thanksgiving. Sally explained how Samuel heard God’s voice and Eli’s direction to listen and obey. Then, at the end of the story, little Sally asked the audience, “Do you know why Samuel could hear God’s voice?” After the audience dutifully responded why, Sally declared, “Because he learned from his Mama to love God and be obedient to God.” This was a childlike reminder of God’s presence in our lives and our privilege and obligation to listen and obey.

 

I think most of us who are believers long for the kind of encounter that Samuel had. Maybe we couldn’t handle it, I don’t know, but it would be nice to see wouldn’t it? There is an interesting little detail in this story compared against the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Notice verse 1: the word of the Lord was rare in those days. Hmm. Fast forward to the New Testament, and Jesus told us about the sower who spread lots of seeds (the Word of the kingdom). And, even more, after the resurrection, Jesus tells us He is always with us and the Holy Spirit will be our companion.

 

The New Testament assures us that God’s Word is not rare. It might feel like it is when we are desperate or earnestly seeking a specific prayer request. But it could be we are just not listening in all the right places. Let’s walk through a few passages that pertain to God’s message to His believers. Read each passage and think about the questions offered.

 

Nehemiah 1:1—2:6. What caused Nehemiah to stop and pray? What did Nehemiah feel called to do?

 

Many times, events or circumstances in our lives cause us to stop and reflect about life. God uses these times to speak to us about our relationship with Him. Has God ever used an event in your life to give you a message?

 

1 Kings 19:11–14. What transpired while Elijah was on the mountain? How did God’s word eventually come to Elijah?

 

Just the opposite of Nehemiah, God’s particular message to Elijah came in the quiet or “still, small voice.” Sometimes, it is through quite reflection that we hear God best.

 

Acts 8:27-36. How did the message of God come to the eunuch? What was the result?

 

When people are open to hearing God, He uses them to speak to others. Has God’s message ever come to you through another person’s faithfulness? Has God ever used you to speak to someone else? How did that feel?

 

2 Timothy 3:16. What does this passage say about God’s Word?

 

The Bible is amazing in its power to speak, minister, and guide us. How has God used Scripture to lead you to His will?

 

Proverbs 3:5-6. What do you think it means by “He will direct your paths?”

 

When people recognize God’s leadership in their lives, they often say that God is “opening or closing doors” for them. Have you ever felt that God helped you make a decision based on opportunities that opened or closed?

 

Think back over your life and meditate on these Scriptures. How has God spoken in your life? Where do you need to be more open or listening—events, quiet reflection, personal encounters with believers, Scripture memory and meditation, or seeing opened and closed doors?

 

I pray that when I encounter God’s Word I will respond just like Samuel and say, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Sam. 3:10).

 

Angela Girdley lives on beautiful Barren River Lake in Kentucky and teaches college leadership and education classes. She humbly desires a fertile heart to hear God every time He speaks to her . . . and a courageous spirit to be a doer of that word.