“I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.” Psalm 116:1
Praise be to you, Heavenly Father, the Great I Am, the Creator of all and the Director of Life. You are the glorious One, worthy of praise, worthy of honor, worthy of love, for your ear always “is open to my cry and your eye is on the righteous.”
There is not a second when you are not focused upon each individual in the world, especially your children. “From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind” (Psa. 33:13). No event escapes your notice, no happening comes without your permission.
You do not prevent every difficulty or trouble from coming to us, for in your wisdom you know that our growth comes in and through problems and hardships. And each uncomfortable, unwanted situation is another chance to honor you with faith and the sacrifice of praise. It is an opportunity to dance with joy on the stage of life, clothed in grace, energized with truth, surrounded by the light of your love.
My response should be the same as David’s in Psalm 116:1 “I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.” Your love, O Lord, your care, your compassion for me in and through difficulty awakens in me more love for you.
To look away from our personal situation to the great context of your wisdom, your power and your grace frees us to reject self-pity, anger, rebellion and unbelief. As you did for Elisha’s servant, you open our eyes to see the forces of the Lord surrounding us: “The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear him and he delivers them” (Ps. 34:7).
With the psalmist, I can shout, “Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live” (Ps. 116:2). You, O God, are faithful, you are good, you are wise, you are wonderful. To come into your presence is a privilege, a joy, a grace.
I can rest in your goodness, I can rejoice in your power, I can exalt in your faithfulness, I can praise you for the unknown that is to come today, this week, this year, for what you bring will be used for good. Glory be to you forever and ever!
Prayer: “Lord God, King of the universe, help me to remember your greatness, your glory, your goodness so I can rest in your power, provision and protection in the midst of distressing happenings. Help me to do this so I may give you ever increasing honor and glory. Amen.”
