Purpose And Expectancy

From: In Touch Ministries

1 Samuel 3:9 "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening."

Christians study the Scriptures not just individually but also corporately to learn more about God and His ways. To do so expectantly means we believe that the Lord is going to speak specifically to us (Psalm 25:4); to build us up, strengthen us, or offer us comfort—He certainly makes listening to Him worthwhile. And obedience is the only proper response to this kind of personal attention.

Approaching the reading of Scripture prayerfully prepares our hearts to listen well and ushers in an attitude of purpose and expectancy. Today’s passage tells the story of young Samuel’s first encounter with God. The priest Eli gives the boy valuable advice—that when the Lord calls, he should say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." If we pray those simple words with conviction before we open our Bible, we will hear God more clearly.

If we want to experience God working in our life, we must come to Scripture with a prayerful, expectant, purpose-filled attitude. The mourner will be comforted. The weary will gain strength. All will sense joy. Let's recognize what a gift we have in God’s Word.