Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
February 1, 2022
Read 1 Samuel 3:2-11
2 One day Eli, whose eyes had grown so weak he was unable to see, was lying down in his room. 3 God’s lamp hadn’t gone out yet, and Samuel was lying down in the LORD’s temple, where God’s chest was. 4 The LORD called to Samuel. “I’m here,” he said. 5 Samuel hurried to Eli and said, “I’m here. You called me?” “I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. “Go lie down.” So he did. 6 Again the LORD called Samuel, so Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “I’m here. You called me?” “I didn’t call, my son,” Eli replied. “Go and lie down.” 7 (Now Samuel didn’t yet know the LORD, and the LORD’s word hadn’t yet been revealed to him.) 8 A third time the LORD called Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, “I’m here. You called me?” Then Eli realized that it was the LORD who was calling the boy. 9 So Eli said to Samuel, “Go and lie down. If he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD. Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down where he’d been. 10 Then the LORD came and stood there, calling just as before, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel said, “Speak. Your servant is listening.” 11 The LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of all who hear it tingle!
Good Morning! Speak. Your servant is listening.
Eli, no longer able to see, was able to discern God’s calling of Samuel. It took God three attempts to get Eli’s attention, but he was awakening him with something unexpected. I wonder how many times God calls one of us before we realize that we need to listen.
Life in the twenty-first century is rarely silent. Even when we don’t have TVs, radios, or Computers running, our refrigerators, air purification systems, and HVAC systems are making noise. During the first storm this winter, when my (and many others) power was out, it was eerily quiet at times. Reflecting back on this time, I realized that I spent more time talking with God than I typically do. After all, when our devices are out of power and the roads are too bad to get out, we don’t have too many distractions.
Next, think of how long it takes for a big crowd to become quiet. Maybe the announcer comes on the speaker system to get everyone’s attention, but in many situations, it still takes a few moments or even minutes for the noise to stop. Another example is trying to answer a phone call before you are able to mute the sounds around you. You want to hear what the caller is saying, but the message is distorted by the other sounds filling the air.
God is a loving parent and as such continues to call to us, no matter how many times our ears are filled with earthly noise, and no matter how many times we chose to ignore the calls. Remove your “do not disturb” message and listen: God is speaking to us.
God: Is anybody there?
Does anybody care?
Does anybody see what I see?
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. God, we are here and we care. Help us to remain tuned into You and open our eyes that we may see what you see. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: How do I take time to listen for God’s voice?
Listen! God is speaking! Pastor Liz
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