Read: 1 Samuel 3:1-10
Now the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (v. 10 NRSV)
My son wakes up with an alarm clock each morning, but he enjoys lying in bed for a few minutes before rising to greet the day. After a while, I go to my son’s room and gently call his name until he responds and rises. For him, the day is much more easily approached when I come to invite him into it.
Over the years, I have heard many Christians voice frustration over God’s apparent silence when they long to hear God speaking. They want God to come and gently remind them of his presence in a loud, blaring world; to hear God’s voice helping, guiding, comforting, and calming. We long for the certainty of God’s presence, a word of clarity from him, or confidence to act on something that we know like we know comes from God.
Joshua 1:9 reminds us, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” This was certainly true for young Samuel; the Lord came and stood right there, calling to him. God is also gentle with us, awakening us to his word and his call. God is right here and is with us wherever we go. We have the opportunity to respond as easily as Samuel, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
As you pray, tune into the near presence of God Almighty. Ask for a word to be spoken, just for you.
About the Author
Katy Sundararajan is a specialized minister in the Reformed Church in America. She has garnered her pastoral perspectives from posts as a college chaplain, a missionary, an international student advisor, and a higher education and leadership ministries program coordinator.
