This picture is an artist’s rendition of young Samuel going to Eli in the middle of the night after it was actually God who called him (I Samuel 3). After going back to Eli three times [thinking he’d heard Eli’s voice … when it was acutally God himself], Eli told Samuel: "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’"
I recalled this Samuel incident this morning when the Lord gave me these two verses from Hebrews:
"Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." 4:7
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." 4:12
I have something for you to try. When you wake in the morning (while still lying in bed) or when you sit down for your Bible reading and prayer, try starting with this simple phrase, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."
And then, don’t harden your voice when he speaks. Let his voice penetrate clear inside your heart.
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