Hearing God : Reflections on 2 Samuel

Welcome to what it looks like for me to study inductively in the book of Samuels. All the little symbols and colors are intentional —this is my color coding…and I LOVE IT. Color coding helps me zoom in on certain details in the text and study more fully what’s happening.

It has changed me from a highlighting junky into an intentional slowed down student of the bible marking important details to study and drawing my eye to the message that’s embedded in the page. I’d say when I highlighted things I still did get something out of it…just more of a phrase or verse to memorize rather than a deeper understanding of what is happening in the text.

As I’ve been studying in Samuels this summer this portion really stuck out to me. Reading how Samuel was hearing God but not understanding what was happening or what to do— I can totally relate to. Over the years I’ve definitely been learning how to hear the voice of the Lord in prayer, morning solitude & silence and constantly throughout the day. I almost feel more like I’m filtering out sounds as I try to tune into the Holy Spirit.

There’s so much noise & distractions in this world, it’s honestly exhausting to filter. But in the exercise of filtering and disciplining myself to daily connect—I’ve found such beautiful access that is worth all the effort.

I’d call it a faithful discipleship that has turned into a deep devotion.

Being with Jesus is learning to meet with Him daily and walk in His ways as he speaks to me and directs my path. That’s discipleship. Just like back in college my instructors would say “What you put into this experience will effect what you’ll get out of it”; and I fully believe that.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:16-18

I love that Paul says “LET the WORD of Christ DWELL in you…” He’s right, we have to Let the Scriptures Dwell in us…but in order to do that we have to focus dedicate time to Him and then let Him do the work in us to shape, grow and change. It’s really powerful and in my opinion a Living Water I can’t live without.

“Religion is not mild - it is fire (gives light) and fire warm but it also burns…and we are guardians of the flame.” Rabbi Sacks