I Samuel 3:7-8 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 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.
How does one recognize the calling of the Lord? In Youth Sunday School, we discussed approaches that God could use to get our attention. Our youth mentioned some very specific possibilities! God doesn’t limit his “voice” to the literal voice that Samuel heard in the portion of scripture above. Rather, he finds us where we are and speaks in ways which best draw us near. For example, if music speaks to your soul, God might use a Christian song or specific performer (secular or religious) to speak to you. If they hadn’t already, we encouraged our youth to check out Christian song artists. You can now find a Christian group or performer for pretty much every genre of music!
Where do you personally hear the voice of God best? Nature has always been where God speaks most eloquently to me. There’s nothing more peaceful and awe-inspiring than the smell of pine on a mountain trail! On a hike in his creation, God reveals to me that there is order in our world in spite of the chaos that abounds around our globe. When the nighttime news coverage on television has been particularly gut-wrenching to me, I’ve found it helpful to slip away and sit outside on our patio. The silence hugs, the darkness protects, the breeze comforts … and all begins to feel “okay”. God is certainly speaking in those moments. His creation, to me, brings comfort and peace.
When you think about it, God’s voice is everywhere! It is in the writings of the Bible, in hymns from across the centuries, in art and literature, and in the wise counsel of pastors and priests. We live in an age where one can access all of these platforms quite readily, and for that, we are truly blessed. It took the still of the night for Samuel to hear the voice of God. Had it been daytime, while Samuel went about his duties, would he have heard? While we are busy in our own daily grind, do we pause to listen and observe? How often do we miss God’s voice calling to us?
Dear Lord, may we take the time to meditate, reflect, observe, and quiet our minds. May we listen for your voice to us – compelling us on to serve, directing our path, lighting our way.
Blessings to all this week!
Diana
Recent Comments