1 Samuel 3-5; Psalm 23; Acts 6

by Becky Hill Martin

“Can you hear Me now?” In 1 Samuel 3, Samuel never heard God’s voice before. So, when God called him, the boy thought it was Eli. Luckily, Samuel got an assist from Eli and answered God the third time. I can relate. Sometimes – especially when I’ve prayed for guidance, I can’t recognize God’s voice for all the “noise” that distracts me. I need a “hearing aid,” and here’s what I do:

1. Spend time with God. Turn off the phone, TV, etc., and get away from all the “Mama, I need…” or “Honey, where’s my…” – even if it’s just 15 minutes.
2. Read God’s Word. What better way to hear His voice than to read His instruction manual?
3. Focus. God usually speaks to our minds through our thoughts. If I’m not concentrating on God, His Word, and His Will, I might mistake an outside influence for God’s voice.
4. Get out of your own way. My negative self-talk can be loud. My pride is often obnoxious. And don’t get me started on my bad attitude when being told to do something I don’t want to do. I am my own barrier if I don’t do steps 1-3.

PRAYER: Lord, when I can’t hear Your voice, help me focus harder on You, tune into Your Word, and tune out the world.