Making Time for God

87. Listen

It's me again God,

What are You saying to me today as I come to meet with You? I simply want to put You first in my life, so instead of speaking, today I'm listening:

""Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭8:32-35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I am reminded of Samuel's encounter with You when he was young. Eli gave him guidance so he would tune in and listen to Your voice.

"One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, "Here I am." And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." But Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." So he went and lay down. Again the Lord called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." "My son," Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. A third time the Lord called, "Samuel!" 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. So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." And the Lord said to Samuel: "See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle."
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭3:2-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As soon as Samuel tuned in and began to listen to You, he was able to receive a message from You and so he did not miss out on being able to serve You!

Lord I am listening to You today as I go about all I need to do. I choose to live the way You want me to and to keep Your ways. Speak to me through nature and the Word. Speak in new ways —I am ready! Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening!

Amen.