12 Aug: The Call to Listen

I will hear what God the Lord will speak. Psalm 85:8

Scripture Reading: Psalm 85

“Come at once. We have struck a berg.”

These were the first words Harold Cottam, the wireless operator aboard the RMS Carpathia, received from the sinking RMS Titanic at 12:25 a.m. on April 15, 1912. The Carpathia was the first ship to reach the scene and rescued 706 people.

During the US Senate hearings that followed, Captain Arthur Rostron of the Carpathia described the timing as an act of God’s providence. He explained that the wireless operator wasn’t officially on duty. Cottam happened to be listening while preparing for bed. Had the message arrived just ten minutes later, he might not have heard it.

This account reminds us why listening matters, especially when it comes to God. In Psalm 85, the sons of Korah wrote: “I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him” (verses 8–9).

These words carried added meaning because their ancestor Korah had refused to listen to God. He rebelled against Him and died in the wilderness (Numbers 16:1–35).

Another ship was closer to the Titanic that night, but its wireless operator had already gone to bed. If he had heard the distress call, more passengers might have been rescued.

We may not always know why God is directing us in a certain way, but we can choose to pay attention and obey His Word. His guidance gives us wisdom, keeps us from foolish choices, and leads us through the difficult seasons of life.

By:  Micah Raybon

Go deeper on: The Call to Listen

Reflect & Pray

In what ways will you stay attentive to God and the Scriptures today? How can doing so help you to help others?

Father, help me to stay close to You in my thoughts, words, and actions. Please use me as Your servant to bring Your hope to others.

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