September 10, 2020
Does God Really Hear My Prayers?
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
I love the Lord, because He hears [and continues to hear] my voice and my supplications (my pleas, my cries, my specific needs). (Psalm 116:1, AMP)
Friend to Friend
“He left me on read.” “She left me on open.” These are a few phrases young people use to describe when they’ve reached out to someone on social media, via direct message or text and the person never responded.
They aren’t positive statements. They’re expressions of frustration about a snubbing-situation of sorts that leaves many a young heart swirling with insecurities, feelings of rejection, and questions. Why? They wonder. Why would she not answer me? Why would he ignore my message?
I’ve seen this scenario seriously stir the pot of teen emotions up close and personally over the years. And, in some ways, I’ve felt tinges of this myself.
We all want to be heard.
We want to be understood, cared about, and acknowledged.
We want others to respond when we talk to them or reach out in some capacity.
This human desire is not bound by technology or time. We see a similar sentiment in Psalm 116 as the writer of this passage pauses to celebrate God’s responsiveness. I read this passage and connect with a worshiper who thousands of years ago went through a really hard season and felt cared for by a personal Savior who delivers souls from death, eyes from tears, and feet from stumbling (v8).
And as I witness this responsive worship of one who lived long ago, I’m freshly struck by the awesome truth that God hears. He listens to His children and He responds. He did thousands of years ago and He does today.
Like the psalmist, I’ve gone through seasons of death, trouble and sorrow myself. I've wondered if God really hears my prayers. I've questioned if He even really cares. And though the Lord doesn’t always feel near or seem to hear our cries, Jesus assures us that He IS always near and He DOES always hear us when we call on His name.
Beautiful expressions about God's attentiveness to His children are featured in Psalm 116.
I love the Lord, because He hears [and continues to hear] my voice and my supplications (my pleas, my cries, my specific needs). Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live. (Psalm 116:1-2, AMP)
Gracious is the Lord, and [consistently] righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate. (Psalm 116:5, AMP)
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. (Psalm 116:6-7, NIV)
Simply stated, these recorded evidences of God's responsiveness bolster my believing and calm doubts. They echo faith to my stirring questions within. God hears the cries of His people (v1) and turns His ears to listen (v2) with a heart full of grace, righteousness and compassion (v5). He protects, saves and frees us from chains that bind (V6-7,16).
And because the Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), my soul can rest today knowing this is true: Jesus will never, never, never leave His people “on read” or “on open.”
Let’s Pray
Gracious Lord, Thank You for the way You love, listen, loose and lead. I’ve experienced Your presence and provision in powerful ways in the past, and I’m confident You know the needs, longings and burdens of my heart today. I bring them all to You right now, God. Help me to seek You first and trust You see me and are at work in the middle of all of it.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
Read Psalm 116. Take special note of all the ways God is near and responsive. Where does this message find you today?
If you want a personal Bible study plan, but don’t have one right now, get a copy of the downloadable Psalm Adventure Bible Study Journal and get started!
More from the Girlfriends
These discussions will help you to live out and lean on the grace of Jesus in the midst of cluttered, messy days. click here to listen on iTunes or visit GwenSmith.net/Graceologie.
Originally published Thursday, 10 September 2020.
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