Have you had your husband say, “I told you, but you were not listening? Or you look at your phone or the television just as someone is speaking to you, and you questioned what you heard? Or you only heard part of what was said.

One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel.

Samuel answered, “Here I am.” ⁵ And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”

But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.

And then we read,

Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”

“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”

The story continues,

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.

A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”

Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Beloved, three times the Lord called Samuel, Samuel, was listening but didn’t recognize God’s voice.

We are living in uncertain times, the world is busy, and we may not recognize that small still voice. The way to recognize God’s voice is to read God’s word. Talk to Him through prayer and listen to what God is saying.

Additionally, when you are with your loved ones, be present with them. Listen to what is said. An excellent way to respond, “I heard you say…” as you repeat the words, the person will know you are listening and present.

Conclusion

Once God had Samuel’s attention, God shared His plan with Samuel. Samuel reported to Eli the next day what God had said. For me, I need to put my telephone down when I am with my husband so that I do hear what is said. I need to not tune him out.

For my time with God, I need to not be distracted. What do you need to do to be more present?

In this unsettling times, let’s be intentional and present.

Father God, let me always hear your voice above the clatter of the world. Let me be attentive and present when I am with someone. Please be with the woman who doesn’t feel she is heard. Be evident in her life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

How can you be more active in your life?