Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. (1 Sam. 3:3)
Expanded Passage: 1 Samuel 3:1-18
The story of young Samuel’s spiritual awakening offers us wisdom as we seek to cultivate our own spiritual intuition. At the beginning of the chapter, Samuel is merely a servant of Eli, looking to him for moral and spiritual guidance. By the end of the passage, he has learned to tune in to God’s voice and hear his message. Not only that, he has gained the courage to speak that message against Eli and his family and in support of the people they had been abusing and oppressing.
Verse 3 symbolizes the reason for Samuel’s awakening. Although Eli played some small part in helping Samuel recognize God’s voice, it was Samuel who had put himself in the position to receive it. Samuel was so intent on connecting with God that he slept next to the piece of furniture that served as a physical representation of God to the people of Israel—the ark of the covenant.
Samuel illustrates the importance of listening for and hearing from God, rather than always looking to other humans for guidance or assuming that God thinks the same way that we do. When we do this, we develop our spiritual intuition—our ability to recognize and trust the voice of the Holy Spirit within us. As you seek to hear from God, be sure to place yourself in a place and posture to truly listen.
Take time each day to quiet yourself and listen for God’s voice.
Kevin R. Scott is an editor for Wesleyan Publishing House and author of ReCreatable and Awakening Faith. He loves spending time with his wife, Debbie, children, and grandchildren.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
