Saturday, October 7
Full attention
Scripture: Ezekiel 7-8, Psalm 116, Matthew 19
Psalm 116:1–2 (ESV)
1 I love the Lord, because he has heard
my voice and my pleas for mercy.
2 Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
Observation
Back in the Jesus People days, we used to sing these two verses; every time I read them, I still sing the song.
The psalmist sings his love for God. Why does he love the Lord? Because God hears and answers his prayers. God “inclines His ear” toward him. This phrase is a beautiful picture of interest and concern. When someone is speaking softly and I want to hear them, I incline my ear. I turn my head so that I can hear their voice. With my grandchildren, I may bend over and put my ear near their mouth so that I can hear their whisper. It’s a picture of full attention.
This is how the psalmist pictures God: bending over, inclining His ear to hear my voice.
I love the Lord!
Application
The psalmist also gives the application.
First, I will love the Lord because He listens to me. Think of love not as temporary affection but permanent devotion. I am committed to a God who is committed to me.
Second, I will call on Him as long as I live. I will pray because God is listening, inclining His ear, wanting to hear from me. I’m not hoping to catch God’s ear; I have it. I have His full attention.
Prayer: I love You, Lord, because You hear my voice and incline Your ear to me. Remind me of this and call me to prayer all through the day. I am devoted to You!