Monday, September 20, 2021

Today’s Reading: Psalm 138

On the day I called, You answered me; You increased strength within me.

Psalm 138:3

Reflection: God answers prayer. He does not hesitate to respond to the calls of His people or the concerns that they have. He actively continues to work His perfect Will which meets every need brought to Him. Consider that God can hear all prayers, both the ones cried out to Him in anguish and the ones lifted up in silence. He listens to and considers each request. But God knows far more than what is relayed to Him. He also sees the depths of every human heart. As He answers our prayers, the LORD ensures that what He provides is what is best for us.

The LORD is good to account for all within His perfect plan. Sometimes, as with the disciples in the stormy sea who cried out to Jesus, “Lord save us,” God answers by making all things around us right again. He calms the storms and provides peace and safety. Sometimes, as with Paul, God leaves the thorns in our side, granting us salvation from our own pride and providing His grace which is more than sufficient for us. And still, many times, the LORD will prepare an answer that is not seen immediately. “How long, LORD?” His saints might ask, to which He responds by staying them until the time He has appointed to have His answer revealed. Though the answers are not always seen immediately, they are orchestrated sometimes long before we we know what we need. Are you waiting for an answer to a prayer that you have lifted up to the LORD? Give thanks knowing that He has heard you, and that He is faithful to respond in the way that is best. God is good to fulfill His purpose for You in a way that You will one day be able to recall and give Him praise.

Prayer: LORD, thatnk You for hearing my prayers. Thank You for never leaving nor forsaking me, but for always being good to provide all that I need. Thank You for Your great love. Help me to continue trusting in You and all that You provide. Help me to increasingly live surrendered to Your perfect plan. I pray these things in Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Bible, studytools.com): 1 Peter 5; Jeremiah 39-40; Psalm 138