And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears”.

When I read these words this morning I realized that all too often I go to God and say, “Lord, listen because I have something to say”.

 I always have something to say. I need to listen more.

 I really need to listen more to God.

Oh the things that happen when God speaks—worlds are created, the sick are healed, storms cease, demons tremble.

Notice:

Samuel did not rise and run as before when he thought Eli called, but lay still and listened. The more sedate and composed our spirits are the better prepared they are for divine discoveries. Let all tumultuous thoughts and passions be kept under, and every thing be quiet and serene in the soul, and then we are fit to hear from God. All must be silent when he speaks. Matthew Henry’s Commentary, Volume 11, pg. 296.

There are a 100 things on my to-do list. I’m putting this one at the top:

1. Lay still and listen.