I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me.
Psalm 77:1
Sometimes we just plain feel as though God is not listening to us! He has turned a deaf ear and has left us flailing about like fish out of water. We want answers to things now! And like little children not getting their way, not being paid attention to, we complain and carry on irritability. But, God created us! We are His children! Could it be that He expects this behavior of us during our times of discouragement and loneliness? Could it be that our frustrations are a catalyst in our search for Him? Does He wait for us to complain to Him, so we can learn to call on Him and expect an answer? He is our Father and just like any good father who rushes to his child when he hears distress, God rushes to us in response to our cries for help. Sometimes though at that moment, we just don’t feel it.
Just like any parent, God knows when the timing is right for a response. How many times do we turn deaf ears toward children; hoping they find their own solutions to things, their own way; while remaining close by, praying and hoping that the values and examples they have been brought up with, continue to be the foundation from which their actions are based? Although it may appear to that child that they are not heard, the adult is fully aware, and knows that it is only through these experiences that a young person is able to discover their own inner strength, and ability to seek out answers; and to eventually learn to call first on God for guidance and help, and to listen for His answers.
It takes a lifetime, I think, for us to really comprehend that God does listen to us. We are so childlike in our faith, and it seems the longer we live, the more we understand that there is much to learn, a great deal of growing we need to do. God wants nothing more than for us to know His love, to experience it fully, and to truly believe that He is there for us always. In time and with faith, may we all come to finally and fully grasp that God is with us in all ways; He listens with a tender, loving heart; He does hear our cries for help. And, He always answers.
Heavenly Father, we call out to you for help! Please hear our prayers!
In my exuberance over the Boston Red Sox win, yesterday I neglected to send a shout out to the St. Louis Cardinals for a terrific World Series. They are also an outstanding team with great fans, including a friend of mine, Steve Givens and his family from Missouri. The games were enjoyed by all and brought some wonderful people together.
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson