Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer.
Psalm 61:1
I failed this week. My husband Jeff needed to talk about his frustrations at work. And he needed me to listen. But instead I twisted something he said about himself into something about me. I grew insecure, the conversation got derailed, and he felt unheard.
Who listens to you?
When you have something you need to pour out, who do you talk to? We all have go-to friends or family we know will hear us out.
But what about God? Do you go to Him?
Because you can’t watch His eyes to see if He’s paying attention, do you wonder if you have coverage? Do you think He’ll tune you out if you don’t pray with the right words? Do you think you have to be perfect to deserve an audience?
If so, it’s time to believe differently. God does listen. Here’s how you can know.
God hears because:
1. God is alive
When Elijah, God’s prophet, contested with Baal’s prophets, it was only the real God who heard and acted (1 Kings 18:36-38). Idols of wood and stone can’t hear (Deuteronomy 4:28). You have a Savior who is very much alive, inviting you near to His throne of grace to talk with Him (Hebrews 4:14-16).
2. God is with you
As a believer, wherever you go, there goes God. You are the temple for His Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). He’s always close and is never out of range.
3. God delights in delivering
When Hagar and Ishmael cried out, God heard and delivered (Genesis 21:16-17). When the Hebrews groaned in slavery in Egypt, God heard and delivered (Exodus 2:24). When you cry for help, He hears and will deliver you, too (Psalm 34:17).
4. God is your Father
Would you turn a deaf ear if your child said, “Mom, I have something I need to talk about”? If you in your imperfect parenting can listen, how much more will God, the perfect Parent, listen when you have something to say to Him (Matthew 7:11)?
5. God loves you
God listens because He cares (Psalm 145:17-18). When Nehemiah cried for God’s ears to be attentive, God gave him favor with King Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 1:5-6). He longs to give you what you need, too, if you will ask Him for it (Matthew 7:7).
God hears you because of who He is (Psalm 143:1). And whose you are. Not because you’ve mastered a prayer formula. Not because you’ve been good enough to earn His attention. But because you are His.
He will never fail to listen to His own.
Jesus thanked God that He heard Him (John 11:41).
Will you thank Him for that, too?
He’d love to hear you right now.
But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
Psalm 66:19
Let’s start a thank-you list to God. Can you add a thankful comment about a blessing you’ve received this week, large or small? He’s listening!
I thank God for a husband who quickly forgives me and doesn’t hold grudges.
Excellent. I especially like “God hears you because of who He is (Psalm 143:1). And whose you are.” I am very thankful for that.
Me, too, Barbara. It takes the pressure off of us to perform a certain way to earn his attention.
I am thankful for wonderful people that write posts like this one. It seems a lot of the times I read posts that are such timely fashion, it’s like God is putting them there just for me!! This is wonderfully written, loved it, and as usual I needed to hear it today. Blessings to you all.
And I am thankful, April, for the wonderful people like you who take time to read what we write. What a sweet blessing of encouragement to receive today! God showers us with grace all around.
As a woman and an American – the right to vote!
A very timely one! We definitely don’t need to take for granted that we can make our voice heard, male or female. Many through the years–and even now across the world–would love to have that option.
Great back up and scriptures. Our omnipotent Father not only hears, but knows are very thoughts and needs. To draw unto Him is to gain more wisdom and a mind that is in spirit with Him.
One of the blessings this week was to watch our youngest in the school play. It was a small part compared to middle school, but seeing her have passion and discipline along with fun is a blessing.
Yes, all those “omni”s about God are so applicable to understanding why He can hear us: omnipotent like you mentioned, plus omniscient, omnipresent, omnibenevolent. All things that we are not!
Glad you got to see your daughter in the play. When Jenna switched ballet companies last year, she was suddenly a small fish in a big pond, but I agree with you that the blessing is seeing our kids continue to use their passion and discipline to have fun, regardless of the size of the part or venue.
Being reminded of the character of God is like pressing a reset button in my brain. “God hears you because of who He is (Psalm 143:1). And whose you are.” This truth, that it’s not dependent on me checking off a righteousness to-do list, gives me such cause for rejoicing! Yes indeed, that is on my list of thanksgivings!
“a reset button” – That’s a great analogy, Patti. I need a big red on my forehead to push to remind me more often that it’s about HIM, not about ME. That’s such a good thing.
You always have just what i need to hear. Today Father i have something different to say. May God hear you and the words you share and send you peace.
I appreciate you listening, Beverley. I’m glad that not only God listens to us, but that we have others who also listen. Praying for peace for you, too.
Good reminders, Lisa. You know, even admitting a fault helps others see the right response to a mistake. Humility speaks volumes. I like point #4.In the Old Testament the Jewish Leaders taught you shouldn’t call Him Father or even say the name, but Jesus taught in the Lord’s Prayer to call Him-Father. Makes Him more personal to me.
Thanks for pointing that out, Brenda. I know I take for granted that I can call God my “Father” but what an incredible blessing–it changes everything to be His child!
I am thankful for a God who hears me. Even when I come to him defensively. Even when I don’t listen to Him. What a blessed girl I am! ;)
Amen, A.J.! To all that. Sometimes I feel like a bratty little kid when I come to God, yet He doesn’t give up on me. We are truly blessed.
I am thankful that our heavenly Father is a God of second and third chances. That His mercies are new EVERY morning and every moment that we are willing to humble ourselves and call on Him. He will forgive even when I don’t feel like it. I’m thankful that He is God and I am not!
I love this list, Annette. Those are each such beautiful indications of His grace, of who He is. I join you in being thankful that HE is God and not any of us. Thanks for sharing this morning.