August 31, 2017 - THE LORD IS LISTENING

Day 243 - Psalm 145-147 & 1 Corinthians 11:1-15

“The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth.”   (Psalm 145:18 ESV) 

They say that there are no atheists in foxholes. I would think that the same would be true with hurricanes and floods. Can you imagine the horror and paralyzing fear that overcame many who were caught in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey? And can you imagine how may prayers for rescue were sent heavenward?

“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15 ESV)

There are countless touching accounts of flood victims praying to be rescued who are now thanking the Lord for answering their prayers. In today’s verse, we reminded of one of the key components of effectual prayers.

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” 

     Are you experiencing days of trouble? 
     Are you calling on the Lord for deliverance? 
     Are you doing so in truth, that is in faith?

The writer of that great “prayer hymn” certainly had this truth in mind when he penned these precious words:

1. What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!  
What a privilege to carry Ev’rything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.

2. Have we trials and temptations?  Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a Friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness - Take it to the Lord in prayer.

3. Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our Refuge - Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?  Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.
(“What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” Concordia Publishing House 2006, #770)

Heavenly Father, thank You for answering prayers for rescue from so many caught in the post hurricane flooding. Please watch over and protect all who may be in peril of the other storms of life as well. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf