How incredible that this morning we can cry out to our Creator–“O Lord, hear my voice!”–and know that our cries are heard in heaven. Just listen to the ancient input of Psalm 130.
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleas for mercy! (130:2)
Could I encourage you to turn that phrase over in your mind as you prepare yourself for worship? Make it personal. Use it as a Spirit-shaped prism to shine light on the needs of your heart, the burdens of your spirit, and the tremendous opportunities of the day.
“Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my thanks for your blessings.”
“Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my songs as I make melody to you with my heart.”
“Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my praise for your power and patience.”
“Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my intercessions for those who need your help.”
“Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my casting all the anxieties of my heart on you, trusting that you know better, your timing is best, and that you care more deeply for me than I can possibly comprehend.”
“Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my petitions for wisdom, boldness, and open doors of opportunity.”
“Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy, grace, forgiveness, and healing.”
“O Lord, hear my voice!” Can I really talk to God like that? Just listen…
If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared. (130:3-4)
How do we know? He’s told us so, which is why the psalmist quietly resolves…
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning. (130:5-6)
And then, clarified in perspective, fortified in spirit, the psalmist turns to encourage others…
O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption. (130:7)
What a priceless opportunity continues to be ours today, to encourage the people around us: hope in the LORD. In his everlasting arms is an eternal treasure of steadfast love. From his heart flow abundant streams of plentiful redemption. Look to him today! Hope in his word. Trust him. Give thanks to him. Wait for him. Fear him. Seek his face. Praise him. Walk in his ways. Keep in step with his Spirit. Honor him as God. Don’t ever stop crying out to him…
“O Lord, hear my voice!”
…and know that your cries are heard in heaven.
What an opportunity. What an incredible gift!
Happy Lord’s day.