Speak, for your servant is listening

I love You  Lord.  You are my all!

1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19

Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was.  The LORD called to Samuel, who answered,  Here I am."  Samuel ran to Eli and said, "Here I am. You called me."  "I did not call you, " Eli said. "Go back to sleep."  So he went back to sleep.  Again the LORD called Samuel, who rose and went to Eli.  "Here I am, " he said. "You called me."
But Eli answered, "I did not call you, my son. Go back to sleep." 

At that time Samuel was not familiar with the LORD, because the LORD had not revealed anything to him as yet.  The LORD called Samuel again, for the third time.  Getting up and going to Eli, he said, "Here I am. You called me."  Then Eli understood that the LORD was calling the youth.  So he said to Samuel, "Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening."  When Samuel went to sleep in his place, the LORD came and revealed his presence, calling out as before, "Samuel, Samuel!"  Samuel answered, "Speak, for your servant is listening."    Samuel grew up, and the LORD was with him, not permitting any word of his to be without effect.


Speak, for your servant is listening

Lord, the first time I heard your voice was that day back in 2005. It has been several years and I have been listening ever since. You have blessed me beyond measure with clarity and straightforwardness. You have lead me, consoled me, affirmed me, scolded me, taught me, shown me the many ways I need to grow and change. You've given me the grace and shown me the way. You've been patient with my impatience. You have forgiven my selfishness, my laziness, my excuses, my meanness, all my faults and even when I am so bad, you still accept me with a gentleness that soothes me and reassure me. You are constantly sending me consolations and confirmations. You have shown me your love and told me of your love. Your correction is always gentle even when it is blunt. 


 You are perfect. You do it in a way that I need, a way that doesn't hurt in any way. Sometimes, often you tell me things I don't want to hear and it always comes across with love. There is no accusation, no yelling, belittling, no shame.You do not leave wounds and scars.


 You have been with me my entire life, you've journeyed back with me, shown me and healed so much brokenness in those years. You suffered and died for me. 


 Lord, you really do love me beyond any comprehension. Lord, I am filled with so much gratitude that it is pouring out my heart right now. My God, lead me, use me, don't ever let me go. My God, I love you beyond anything I could have ever imagined. 


 Help me accept it all.