He listens

Psalm 119:26 - "I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees."

Do you know what I think one of God's greatest gifts to us is? It's that He listens. We never have to wonder if God is listening to us when we pray. He loves to hear His children talk to Him. He loves to hear about the good, the bad and the ugly in our lives. It's not like He doesn't know what is going on with us. But, God desires for us to recognize His supremecy in our lives. He wants us to acknowledge that He is there. He wants to show His great hand of mercy and love in our lives.

When David was at his worst, he reached out to God. I love the way Eugene Peterson paraphrased these verses in The Message. Take a look at his rendering of Psalm 119:25-32.

"I'm feeling terrible—I couldn't feel worse!
Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?
When I told my story, you responded;
train me well in your deep wisdom.
Help me understand these things inside and out
so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.
My sad life's dilapidated, a falling-down barn;
build me up again by your Word.
Barricade the road that goes Nowhere;
grace me with your clear revelation.
I choose the true road to Somewhere,
I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me;
God, don't let me down!
I'll run the course you lay out for me
if you'll just show me how."

It was a difficult time for David. And, through it all, David was able to trust in his God.

The more I dwell upon it, the more I feel like Psalm 119:26 may be some of Scripture's most beautiful words. "I recounted my ways and you answered me. . ." God answered David.

And, God answers us. When He does, it requires us to be ready to be students at the feet of the ruler of the universe. It requires us to say, "Teach me your decrees." We want God to teach us the lessons that He wants us to learn. The sooner we learn, the better life will be.

Dear God,

Thank You for listening. Help us to listen to you.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Take some time to listen to what God wants to say to you today through His word.