Promise for Today - He Answered

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah
Psalm 3:3-4 ESV

King David was on the run to hide from his son, Absalom. And in verses 1 and 2, his focus is on how many are his foes and their taunts, declaring that his God will never help him. Then there's a shift. David's spirit rises up within him, and he remembers who and what God is. No matter how many enemies! No matter the situation! No matter how overwhelming the circumstances seem!

It's so hard when we find ourselves in situations that are overwhelming, when the enemy of our souls reminds us of our past sins and mistakes, and keeps piling on the guilt and shame. satan wants us to think that no one can see or hear the trouble we're in. There's no help for us. We'll have to go it alone. LIES!! That's why it's SO important to read and know God's Word so we can know God and all that He is to us, for us, and in us.

"But You, O Lord, are a Shield about me, my Glory, and the Lifter of my head." Protection and salvation from the enemy, lifting our heads above what's trying to drown us. Lifting up our heads so we can see His glory and call out to Him for help.

I know it can be hard to ask for help. Not everyone hears the cry. And some who hear don't or won't answer. But our Promise for Today? "I cried aloud to the Lord, and He answered me from His holy hill."

Yes! The Lord hears and answers. Selah (pause and think about that!)

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for Your written Word - the perfect reference manual to learn about You and to know who You are and who You want to be in our lives. Give us a clear understanding of it and write it on our hearts, Father, lest we forget. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

All Heard +

[Jesus speaking] 
Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.

Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him. Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine."
John 12:27-30 NLT

Jesus knew He was going to be crucified. He had time to think about it. He knew what was coming. How? Because He knew the voice of God. He was "deeply troubled" and yet He prayed for God to be glorified by His willing obedience. Why? Again, because He knew the voice of God! He wasn't wondering IF it was God or God's will, He KNEW. 

The thing about this particular passage is they ALL heard the voice of God, but how many recognized it? Not all of them. Do we spend enough time with Him to know His voice?

The question on my mind is 'How often do we pray to be delivered from the very thing that serves God's purpose?' What if - in the midst of the trial - our path crosses with someone who never met Christ? Someone we would never have met otherwise. Would they want to know our Lord and Savior because of how we respond to Him in the middle of our affliction or would they give us a 'No, thanks'?

The writer of Proverbs tells us, Ears to hear and eyes to see— both are gifts from the Lord (Proverbs 20:12 NLT).

Prayer:

Father,
           Of all Your many blessings that You bestow on us, please, God, give us ears to hear and eyes to see. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen