Day 8 – January 8

Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer;  answer me, for I need your help.
Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly.
Give me happiness, O Lord,  for I give myself to you.
O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,  so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord;  hear my urgent cry.
I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.  

But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.  Psalm 86:1-7, 15 NLT

Have you ever prayed a prayer like this?  This is one of those passages that grip my heart and bring me back in time to several moments in my life – where time was of the essence, stakes were high, options were few, my heart was crushed under the weight of it all.  Perhaps you can relate.  Maybe this is exactly what you are facing right now.  If so, take heart!  God is near, He is listening and He Loves you!   

At times God may feel absent, silent or late – but we must trust that while we pray for Him to move – He is NOT inactive!   God’s ways are higher than our ways, and He is working behind the scenes for your good and ultimately for His Kingdom Purpose.  As Christians we must also remember that we are not promised that our lives would be easy and pain/problem free.  In fact God’s word teaches us the opposite (John 16:33).   God however does promise never to leave us or abandon us in times of trouble (Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5).   He is close to us when we are hurting (Psalm 34:18).

Whatever you are facing today – take it to the Lord in prayer.  He stands ready to hear and help!  But perhaps the greatest blessing of all – is knowing that when we pray, we can lay down these burdens at his feet – knowing full well that He is capable of carrying our load! 

What do you need to lay down today in prayer?  

Heavenly Father, hear my prayer;  answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly.  Comfort me, O Lord,  for I give myself to you. Amen. 

Written By: Pastor Steve Wells