POOR IN SPIRIT
LORD, hear my prayer! Listen to my plea! Don’t turn away from me in my time of distress. Bend down to listen, and answer me quickly when I call to You.
Psalm 102:1-3 (NLT)
He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas. Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the LORD. Tell them the LORD looked down from His heavenly sanctuary. He looked down to earth from heaven to hear the groans of the prisoners, to release those condemned to die.
Psalm 102:17-20 (NLT)
One of the best things I’ve learned as a parent is to get down on my children’s level. This has proven especially important in times of discipline. Rather than towering over them and raising my voice, I’ve found getting on their level and having a conversation much more fruitful. When I need to communicate something important to them, or even when they’re excited to share something with me, I get down on one knee to look them directly in the eyes. I think descending to their level, listening and engaging shows an attentive love.
I’m so thankful that God shows us that same type of love.
When we cry out to God, He hears us. Our prayers don’t stop at the ceiling or fall on deaf ears. When we humble ourselves before Him, He takes note as we pour out our hearts to Him. Psalm 102, at least in my Bible, is described as a prayer of one overwhelmed with trouble, pouring out problems before the LORD. What a privilege that we can come to our God whenever we’re feeling overwhelmed. Knowing that we can talk to our Creator about all we experience and feel is comforting in a fast-paced world full of trouble and trial. And not just talk to Him about it, but know He truly listens and cares. The Bible is full of instances of God’s people crying out to Him, only to see Him intercede in powerful, miraculous ways.
Do you believe He will do so for you?
APPLICATION: Whatever is weighing heavily upon you right now, name it aloud before God. Ask Him to be near to you and give you comfort and peace.
PRAYER: Almighty God, You are the Creator of all, yet You still choose to know me. Remind me that You love me and listen to me when I cry out. Grow my reliance on You and my trust in You. In the name of Jesus, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?