Finding God's PresenceSýnishorn

God Is Speaking More Than We Think

If God spoke to you today, would you know His voice?

As a boy, Samuel slept in the house of the Lord. We’re told that “in those days, the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions” (1 Samuel 3:1).

Sound familiar?

In today’s story, God calls out to Samuel three times. Samuel thinks it’s the priest Eli calling. Eli eventually figures out that God is speaking to Samuel, and counsels Samuel to respond with today’s key verse the next time it happens.

The point here is simple:

It’s quite possible to hear the voice of God and not recognize that God is speaking.

God’s voice has been called the “still, small voice” (1 Kings 19:12 KJV).

God spoke to young Samuel about some pretty serious stuff. Imagine the next morning:

Eli: “What did God say?”

Samuel: “….…”

Eli: “Do not hide it from me, or God will get you.”

Samuel: “!!!”

Samuel: “God’s going to judge your whole household for your failure.”

Yikes!

When God speaks, He often invites us into uncomfortable obedience. He’s the King of the Universe and up to important things. Hearing Him and experiencing His presence isn’t a party trick or leisure activity. Hearing is linked to joining Him in the wonderful things He’s doing every day of our lives.

If you’re a man looking for a deeper life with God, here are three steps you can take:

1) Read Scripture. Immerse your mind in God’s Word to learn what God’s voice sounds like and the kinds of things He says.

2) Listen for the “Still, Small Voice.” Pay attention to thoughts, prompts, and images in your mind that you think might be God. Does it seem like something God would say? Ask someone you trust to help discern!

3) Obey. If you think God might be speaking to you, obey. When a person suddenly comes to mind, trust that God brought them to mind and pray for them and/or reach out to them. When you feel a prompting to do some good thing, do it. Even if you aren’t sure that it is God, take the risk (as long as it isn’t immoral, or really high stakes—for the second one, talk to a wise spiritual leader before stepping out).

God is speaking more often than we think…do we want to hear Him?

Prayer: Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. Give me discernment to know when it’s You, a heart that loves You, a desire to see Your kingdom come, and a willingness to act as You guide me. Amen.

Reflection: If hearing from God is rare for you, consider the last thing God said to you. If you can’t remember, ask Him to bring it to mind. We often stop hearing God’s voice because we stop obeying what He previously told us to do. Obey the last thing He told you and watch what happens!