"Voice Of God" by Rachelle Miller - 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.” (Complete Jewish Bible)
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I have never heard the audible voice of God, but I have wondered what it would be like. What must that have been like for a small child like Samuel? As thrilling as 1 Samuel 3 is, there are key things that are very convicting, as well.
As I discussed yesterday, Samuel was in the presence of God day and night. However, Scripture is also very clear to say that the Word of the Lord was rare in Israel—not dissimilar, perhaps to the world today. Samuel had to be in the presence of the Lord in order to hear the Lord, just like we do. Samuel was ministering in the Temple, meaning, he was working for the Lord. Being about the work of the Lord will also keep us within earshot.
It is easy to get discouraged when we can not discern the will or the voice of the Lord. Let us examine our lives and see if we are in his presence and if we are doing his work. It is hard to hear the voice of the Lord if we are nowhere near him.
Hymn for today: "His Eye is on the Sparrow" by Civilia D. Martin.
1. Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain: I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
2. “Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain: I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
3. Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
3. Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me
Refrain: I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Thought for Today: the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
upon those living in the region, in the shadow of death,
light has dawned.” [Matthew 4:16 Isaiah 8:23(9:1)–9:1(2)(Matthew 4:16).]
have seen a great light;
upon those living in the region, in the shadow of death,
light has dawned.” [Matthew 4:16 Isaiah 8:23(9:1)–9:1(2)(Matthew 4:16).]
Please pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Japan. 
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