This short passage places a real importance on being heard. Words like call, ear, listen, cry, and answer, indicate that the writer is confident that what they will be saying will be heard by the one being addressed and that their pleas will be answered. I have often said that a person who had good listening skills was well on their way to having good relationships with anyone that they were involved with.
Before going to Trinity Lutheran Seminary, for more than twenty-seven years, I worked in the insurance industry, primarily in marketing. One of my main tasks was visiting the agencies that sold insurance for the companies that I worked for. For me to be effective in what I did I had to be fully aware of what was being said. On those calls I had to be a good listener to what were the concerns and issues that were raised so that I, could correct any misinformation that was out there, help to solve any service problems, uncover why our products were not being sold, or deal with any number of assorted things. If I couldn’t clearly understand what was being communicated I couldn’t fully address what was needed to be done with the agency or with my company.
Of course good communications are vital in any relationship, in a marriage, in family situations, in communities, in work environments, in governments, among nations, etc. This passage lets us know that God is also a good listener beside being forgiving and abounding in steadfast love. When we come before the Lord with our prayers and supplications they will be heard, especially in our day of trouble. May you be bold in speaking to God about anything that you need forgiveness for or help with, knowing that when you call you will be heard!
Lord of steadfast love, help me to come to you knowing that you are the listener of everlasting love, and you welcome and hear my prayers and will answer them in your own time and fashion! Amen. Vernon T.
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