TENDER LOVING CARE
Why do you and I love the Lord? Here’s a good reason.
I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
Psalm 116:1-2
God pays attention. God hears us when we call out to Him, even to the point of “inclining his ear” to us to make sure He hears what we are saying, catches every emotion, attends to the cry of our heart. How good is that?
Heavenly Father, we are so grateful that You are so attentive to us. We need that kind of companionship of a dear and caring friend today. We will bring all of our day, all of our heart to You because it is only in Your blessing and presence that we can live. Amen
Not only does God hear us, but particularly when our way seems tough, obstacles seem impossible, and distress fills our heart, He’s ready to deliver us.
The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!” Psalm 116:3-4
Lord, Every season seems to have new challenges for us. Pandemics, wars, human suffering around the world, stresses in our own families and circumstances with rising costs … just to name a few. We need You Lord because we so easily feel tangled up by the concerns of the day. Lift our eyes to see You in the middle of it all and follow as You lead. Encourage our hearts to trust and not be afraid. You are with us. You will deliver us.
Look at this description of the kind of deliverance we can expect from God.
The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
Psalm 116:6-8
Lord, we just want to stay close to You today and receive all of these things. Help us to not block the sweet work of care and comfort You are trying to work in us today by hanging onto anxiety and complaint. Help us to give ourselves completely into your care.
What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord, I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.
Psalm 116:12-14
Lord, All day long we’ll bring to mind the good things You are doing in every situation we face. When we look back on the events of the day, even the parts that weren’t perfect, we’ll allow You to remind us of what was good, what was of You, and encourage us with the truth that even in the difficult bits, You are working for good for us, because we love You. Amen
And so I ask us today to consider, “What do I love about the Lord?” and thank Him a few times as new things come to mind.
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