Learning to Listen

Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him . . . And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” (I Samuel 3:7 and 10, ESV)

I have several acquaintances who have hearing problems, not all of whom are older. Some use hearing aids and two or three have cochlear implants. Still others, with severe or total hearing loss, use sign language to communicate. Whatever the cause, when our hearing is impaired, it affects how we live.

The problem we find in I Samuel 3 is not physical deafness but rather a spiritual hearing loss. Or should I say a listening loss? The people of Israel could have heard the voice of God had they chosen to listen.

First Samuel 3:1 says, “And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation” (NKJV). Hearing from God was an unusual occurrence for the Israelites. It was a time of spiritual darkness and indifference. God desired to speak to His people, but they had hardened their hearts toward God and would not listen.

The night Samuel heard the audible voice of God, I Samuel 3 describes him as a child. Although Samuel’s age is not given, some believe he was about twelve. Because of his youth and inexperience, he did not recognize the voice of the Lord until Eli instructed him how to respond. God gave Samuel an important message for Eli, the priest and judge. Have you ever wondered why God had to use a child to speak to the spiritual leader of the people?

Throughout the Bible God spoke to men and women in various ways. He still speaks to us today, but like young Samuel, we must learn to recognize His voice and to listen.

While God sometimes speaks to us in an audible voice, He speaks in other ways as well. Let’s look at a few of the ways He spoke to men and women in the Bible and will still speak to us in the same manner.

An Audible Voice. In addition to Samuel, the Bible tells of numerous others who heard the voice of the Lord. A few examples are Adam and Eve in the Garden, Cain, Noah, Moses, Old Testament prophets, Peter on the housetop, Paul on the road to Damascus, and John the Revelator.

A Still, Small Voice. The prophet Elijah heard God’s voice as just a soft whisper (I Kings 19:12).

Dreams and Visions. The Lord sent an angel to Joseph in a dream, telling him to take Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20-21). An angel also spoke to Cornelius in a vision to instruct him to send for Peter (Acts 10). Also read Job 33:15.

His written Word. God will speak to us as we read and meditate on Scripture. “But He said, ‘More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!’” (Luke 10:28, NKJV).

Pastors and Preachers. God has given us spiritual leaders and speaks through them. “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12, NKJV).

Godly Counsel. “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days” (Proverbs 19:20, NKJV).

God desires to speak to His people. Perhaps it’s that quiet whispering voice speaking to our heart. Or perhaps God uses the words of a wise friend or counselor. At other times, it may be through the voice of our pastor, or the Lord will give a profound insight on a passage of Scripture we are reading.

If you have not recently heard the voice of the Lord, why not? What things are drowning out His voice? How can you become a better listener? What valuable things are you missing because you haven’t sat quietly to listen to His voice? Remember, any disconnect between God and us comes from us, not Him.

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” (Jeremiah 33:3, ESV)

Today, let us pray to hear God’s voice and learn those great and hidden things He desires to share with us.