December 17: “Speak, Lord, I’m Listening”

“Speak, Lord, I’m Listening”

Jusene Brown 

Key Text: 1 Samuel 3:10
“The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’”

During a recent devotion, this hymn rose in my spirit, “Near to the Heart of God” (Hymn 495).

There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.

Chorus:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee
Near to the heart of God.

Growing up, we sang this hymn just before the pastoral prayer. It created an atmosphere that invited reverence, stillness, and the awareness that God Himself was near.

In the same way, Jesus invites us today to slow down, to be still, and to listen intentionally for His voice. When we retreat into quietness, blocking out the noise and constant motion of life, our hearts become attuned to hear Him more clearly.

God desires to do something special in our lives, but this requires our attention. In the very next verse, God tells Samuel,

“See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle.”
1 Samuel 3:11 (NIV)

Samuel only received this revelation because he positioned himself to listen. Likewise, when we pause, pray, and pause again, creating room for God, we open ourselves to receive His direction, His correction, and His promises.

So today, let us draw near to the heart of God. Let us quiet our spirits and listen for His voice, trusting that He still speaks and that what He desires to reveal is for our good and His glory.

Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, that we can approach Your mercy seat with confidence, knowing that You hear and answer prayer. Help us to remain attentive to Your voice so we may hear You clearly. Speak, Lord. We are listening. In Jesus’ name, Amen.