The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Listening to God" for Sunday, 8 October 2017 - Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10

The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Listening to God" for Sunday, 8 October 2017 - Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10
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1 Samuel 3:1 The child Sh’mu’el continued ministering to Adonai under ‘Eli’s direction. Now, in those days Adonai rarely spoke, and visions were few. 2 Once, during that period, ‘Eli had gone to bed — his eyes had begun to grow dim, so that it was hard for him to see. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out; and Sh’mu’el had lain down to sleep in the sanctuary of Adonai, where the ark of God was.
4 Adonai called, “Sh’mu’el!” and he answered, “Here I am.” 5 Then he ran to ‘Eli and said, “Here I am — you called me?” But he said, “I didn’t call you; go back, and lie down.” So he went and lay down. 6 Adonai called a second time, “Sh’mu’el!” Sh’mu’el got up, went to ‘Eli and said, “Here I am — you called me.” He answered, “I didn’t call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Sh’mu’el didn’t yet know Adonai; the word of Adonai had not yet been revealed to him. 8 Adonai called, “Sh’mu’el!” again, a third time. He got up, went to ‘Eli and said, “Here I am — you called me.” At last ‘Eli realized it was Adonai calling the child. 9 So ‘Eli said to Sh’mu’el, “Go, and lie down. If you are called again, say, ‘Speak, Adonai; your servant is listening.’ Sh’mu’el went and lay down in his place.
10 Adonai came and stood, then spoke as at the other times: “Sh’mu’el! Sh’mu’el!” Then Sh’mu’el said, “Speak; your servant is listening.”
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Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV))
One Sunday as I walked to my car after worship, I heard the chimes of the church ringing out a beautiful hymn. I felt as if God were sending me on my way!
During the week the chimes still ring out; however, I don’t very often hear them. When I do, they are usually mixed in with the noise of the day. I may be driving or shopping or talking to someone — only vaguely aware of the sound of the chimes; I don’t actually stop to listen.
Isn’t that like my relationship with God? I attend worship and leave with a strong feeling of God’s presence. During the following days of the week, however, I get caught up in the routine of life. Then when a need arises, I call on God in prayer, trying to fit my faith into my busy schedule.
Like the church chimes, God is always communicating with us. But we must still the voices around us, slow down the pace of our life, and not just talk to God but listen. God’s voice of love and compassion is what we need to carry us through the week. God is speaking — how well are we listening?
The Author: Gary Dowdy (Tennessee, USA)
Thought for the Day: How am I listening for God’s voice today?
Prayer: Loving God, teach us to make time for you in our lives. You are our hope and salvation, and nothing is more important than being with you in prayer. Amen.
Prayer focus: To find quiet time with God
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