The Power of Stillness | Blueprint Bible Study Ep. 04 (1 Samuel 3)

In this study, we journeyed deeper into the theme of hearing God’s voice, focusing on the story of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3. Samuel’s life is a testament to how God is always at work, even when His voice seems silent. From the prayers of his mother Hannah to his service under Eli, every step in Samuel’s journey was orchestrated by God, preparing him for the moment he would hear God’s call directly. This reminds us that God’s activity in our lives is not limited to the moments we perceive Him speaking; He is constantly guiding, shaping, and preparing us, even in seasons of apparent silence.

We explored the reality that God is always speaking, primarily through His Word. The Scriptures are a continual source of God’s voice, and the more we immerse ourselves in them, the more attuned we become to His leading. However, God also gives fresh revelation when it is needed—He speaks a new word when it’s time for us to take a new step or fulfill a new assignment. Until then, we are called to faithfully walk in the last word He gave us, resisting the urge to chase novelty for its own sake.

A significant insight from Samuel’s story is the importance of stillness. It was in the quiet of the night, when Samuel was lying down in the temple, that he heard God’s voice. In our own lives, the noise and busyness can drown out God’s whispers. We must intentionally create space for stillness—physically and spiritually—so we can discern God’s direction with clarity. This may mean setting aside time each day, silencing distractions, and prioritizing moments of solitude with God.

Community also plays a vital role in our ability to hear God. Samuel needed Eli to help him recognize and respond to God’s call. The voices we allow into our lives shape how we interpret God’s voice. Therefore, it’s crucial to be connected to a faith community and relationships that point us toward God and help us discern His will.

As we seek to hear God more clearly, we are challenged to examine the noise in our lives, create intentional stillness, and surround ourselves with voices that encourage spiritual growth. In doing so, we position ourselves to receive God’s guidance and walk faithfully in His purpose.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Work Is Constant, Even in Silence God is always at work in our lives, orchestrating events and preparing us for what’s next, even when we don’t perceive His presence or hear His voice. Silence from God is not absence; it is often preparation for a new season or assignment. Trusting in God’s unseen activity builds a foundation of faith that endures through quiet seasons. [13:40]
• 2. Fresh Revelation Comes with Purpose God gives new revelation when it is necessary for us to move forward in His plan. We are not to seek a new word simply for novelty, but to be faithful with the last instruction He gave us. When God’s direction seems delayed, it may be because we have not yet completed what He previously asked of us. [17:12]
• 3. Stillness Is Essential for Clarity It is in moments of stillness—when we quiet our bodies and spirits—that we hear God’s voice most clearly. The busyness and noise of life can easily drown out God’s whispers, so we must intentionally carve out time for solitude and reflection. Stillness is not just about physical quiet, but about creating spiritual space to receive God’s direction. [23:42]
• 4. The Voices Around Us Shape Our Hearing The people and influences we surround ourselves with deeply affect how we discern God’s voice. Being connected to a healthy faith community and relationships that point us toward God is essential. The voices we hear most often will either clarify or distort our understanding of God’s will. [38:39]
• 5. Intentional Rhythms Lead to Spiritual Growth Building a sacred rhythm of intentional stillness, regular engagement with Scripture, and community connection positions us to hear God and respond faithfully. We must regularly evaluate what distractions need to be silenced and where we can create space for God. Spiritual growth is cultivated through deliberate choices, not by accident. [41:00]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:15] - Checking In and Sharing the Study
• [02:41] - Announcing Freedom Church Atlanta
• [03:39] - First In-Person Meetup Details
• [05:09] - Opening Prayer and Series Recap
• [06:14] - Samuel’s Background and God’s Preparation
• [08:12] - God Is Always Working
• [10:52] - Ordered Steps and Hearing God
• [13:40] - Silence as Preparation, Not Absence
• [15:03] - God Is Always Speaking
• [16:18] - Fresh Revelation When Needed
• [19:14] - Faithfulness to the Last Word
• [22:13] - The Power of Stillness
• [26:44] - Busyness and Missing God’s Voice
• [31:23] - Stillness Brings Clarity
• [35:00] - Practical Ways to Create Quiet Time
• [37:17] - The Importance of Community
• [38:39] - The Voices That Shape Us
• [40:47] - Application: Creating Sacred Rhythms
• [45:37] - Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

1 Samuel 3:1-10 (ESV) — 1 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.
2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place.
3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was.
4 Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!”
5 and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down.
6 And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.”
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy.
9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Samuel 3:1, what was the spiritual climate like in Israel during Samuel’s early years?
2. What specific actions did Samuel take when he first heard the voice calling him at night?
3. How did Eli help Samuel recognize and respond to God’s voice?
4. In the sermon, what does Pastor Joshua say about God’s activity during times when we don’t hear His voice? ([13:40])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why might God choose to speak to Samuel during a time when “the word of the Lord was rare”? What does this suggest about God’s timing and preparation?
2. The sermon says, “Silence from God is often preparation, not absence.” How does this perspective change the way someone might view seasons of spiritual dryness or waiting? ([13:40])
3. Pastor Joshua emphasizes that God gives “fresh revelation when it is needed.” What are some reasons God might delay giving new direction or insight? ([17:12])
4. How does the role of community, as seen in Eli’s guidance to Samuel, shape a person’s ability to discern God’s voice? ([38:39])

Application Questions

1. Think about a time when you felt God was silent in your life. Looking back, can you see ways He was still at work preparing you for something? How does this affect your trust in God during quiet seasons? ([13:40])
2. The sermon challenges us to be faithful to the last word God gave us before seeking something new. Is there an area in your life where you might be waiting for a new word from God, but haven’t yet acted on what He already told you? What would it look like to take that next step? ([19:14])
3. Pastor Joshua talks about the importance of stillness for hearing God. What are the main sources of “noise” or busyness in your life that might be drowning out God’s voice? What is one practical way you could create intentional stillness this week? ([23:42])
4. Samuel needed Eli to help him recognize God’s voice. Who are the “Eli’s” in your life—people who help you discern God’s direction? How can you strengthen those relationships or seek out new ones? ([38:39])
5. The voices we listen to most shape how we hear God. Are there any influences (people, media, habits) that might be distorting your ability to hear God clearly? What is one step you could take to limit those distractions? ([41:26])
6. The sermon encourages building “sacred rhythms” of Scripture, stillness, and community. Which of these rhythms is strongest in your life right now, and which needs the most attention? What is one small change you could make this week to grow in that area? ([41:00])
7. When was the last time you responded to God with, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening”? What would it look like for you to pray this prayer and truly mean it in your current season? ([42:27])