Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Psalm 66:16-20 

Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me.

A friend told me a story about his early years. His family was struggling financially and they didn’t have food. He heard his mother praying that God would come to their aid. Shortly after, a neighbor brought over some “extra” food her family had not eaten. Then and there he realized that God really does answer prayer.

God’s answers are powerful! Like the psalmist we need to invite those in our world, “Come and hear…let me tell you what [God] has done for me.” Let me tell you how the almighty God just answered my prayer.

Is that boasting? Certainly not! The psalmist turned answered prayer into praise. It is a personal and public reminder that God listens and acts. Sometimes the answer is “no.” Sometimes, “yes.” Sometimes, “wait.” But God never rejects our prayers or withholds His love from those who are open, honest, and repentant before Him. 

Father, thank You for hearing and answering my prayers. Help me to praise You regardless of the answers. Calm my heart when You say, “Yes.” Protect my heart when You say, “No.” Give me a new measure of patience when You say, “Wait.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.