God Speaking

“Before they call I will answer, while they are still speaking I will hear.”

(Isaiah 65: 24)

Having someone listen to you is such a blessing in today’s world amid the frantic rush that seems to permeate our lives and seems to be a very rare occurrence. Brief texts with abbreviated words, symbols that have hidden meanings, to my old eyes, and then emails that reply to an urgent message without any warmth or feeling. Doctor’s offices where you have 10 minutes to discuss a nagging problem and you feel the minutes ticking by without the real assurance that the doctor has really listened to what you are saying. Perhaps with even a trusted and dear friend we don’t always share what is too painful to discuss so what is so wonderful is that our Heavenly Father wants us to share anything, even painful things with him. David learnt this amazing truth and told of the agony he is going through. 

“I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.” (Psalm 6: 6)

But at the end of the Psalm, he realizes that the Lord had heard his weeping and with great joy cries out, 

“The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer.” (Psalm 6: 9)

This is a truth we all need to learn. Our answer is never, don’t bother me with that, the Lord accepts our prayers because we are his children and cares about every aspect of our lives. Problems that seem to be overwhelming seem to be not so terrifying when we confide in the Father. 

Some of our deepest problems don’t have a quick answer and when friends jump in with their ideas of quick solutions the problems even deepen. Our Loving Father knows this and when we are grappling with anxiety, inadequate feelings, lack of motivation, sadness, and grief, we just need a loving and compassionate listener and being able to share these thoughts with no condemnation, brings peace and we can do this as often as we need to. Paul writes this in his letter to the Thessalonians when he tells them to pray continually. The Father will not get tired of hearing. 

“Pray continually.”  (1 Thessalonians 5: 17)

Paul again reminds us of all that it is a waste of time fretting and being anxious about our deepest trouble he tells us to simply to take all those worries to the Lord. 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4: 6)

One of the greatest benefits of seeking help from the Lord I feel is found in Jesus’s words. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11 : 28)

We are granted relief by coming to him because He hears us.