"Is God really listening to me when I pray?" How many times have you asked yourself this question after submitting your supplications to him? After all, prayers are not always answered...or are they?
There are many excellent scriptural passages we can refer to when searching for an answer to this question. Granted, sometimes answers are not so easily culled from chapter and verse. However, you will find that with a little prayer and patience your request will be so graciously granted.
I have selected one such selection from the Bible for us to explore in regards to this inquiry: Psalm 116:1-8. Here we find a general account of the psalmist's experience during a time of great difficulty. At this point, death was a very real possibility.
Still, the Lord listened to his petitions and rescued him from harm. Thus in joy and loving gratitude he wrote: "I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. (Psalm 116:1-2).
Response to prayer, however, is not something extended only to the psalmist. For we are also accorded the same through Jesus Christ. After all, it makes complete sense that when we are in need we should call on the ulitmate source of grace and mercy.
The psalmist writes in Psalm 116:3: "The cords of death entangled me," but he did not perish spiritually. Christ died in his place. Grace also plays a large part in answered prayer. We find this was made manifest to the psalmist in Psalm 116:5-6: "The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me."
God disentagled him from the grip of certain death, and stifled his tears. He bolstered and steered his steps so that he did not falter. I must admit that my hearing is not what it once was. At times I find myself having to move closer to the speaker in order to hear in relative clarity.
Now, imagine God doing this at times with his children. Picture Him bending down closer in order to hear all. Make no mistake, He can hear us as good as he ever could. But, there is another reason for Him moving in closer. He does this not only to hear us, but to help us (Psalm 116:6).
You see, my beloved, God comes down to where we are to both deliver us, and to make us all that He wants us to be (Psalm 116: 8). We can rejoice in the fact that God absolutely hears our prayers and helps us. He provides everything we require with His generous hand. Above all, He is gracious and merciful. Therefore, you need never be hesitant to call on Him; for He will deliver you.
Scripture: John 15:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Genesis 18:14; Micah 7:7; Psalm 50:15
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for listening to my every prayer; and even though it may not always be the answer I am expecting, nevertheless, I am still grateful for Your answer because I know that it is what You feel is best for my circumstance at the time. Amen
May you have a blessed weekend,
Constance
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