God keeps an eye on his friends, his ears pick up every moan and groan.
Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you.
If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.
Psalm 34: 15, 17-18 The Message
God is always listening, and always ready to help us. Those comforting thoughts appear in Psalm 34. Perhaps during this year 2020, more than others, we have been doing our fair share of moaning and groaning. We have watched our world struggle with the pandemic, riots, and other crises which are overwhelming.
Yet God listens to every single word which we speak. No matter how large our need or seemingly insignificant, God is there. God promises His willingness to hear us. He is a lifeline we can cling to, even during difficult times. This is a truth I hold on to repeatedly, because the ups and downs which are always present throughout life.
In our larger church family, babies have been born, weddings have happened, loved ones have passed away, accidents have occurred, and people have been hospitalized. When family, friends and even pastors cannot visit a person during a hospital stay, one can at least take comfort in the fact that God is ever present with them. God’s love is unstoppable! No matter what we are going through: financial difficulties, relationship problems, health concerns, bouts of grief or other struggles, God is always there to help us catch our breath. The Lord gives us hope. We cling to Him. He will even perform spiritual CPR to help us continue on through life.
In a world which feels like it is full of broken hearts, shattered dreams, and circumstances which sometimes kick one in the gut, it is reassuring to know that God is there. Not only is He present, but God listens to us, counsels us, and rescues us.
When has God been present for You during a time when life kicked you in the gut?
Reflect on those moments and remember to give thanks to the Lord for his ever-present reassuring presence in your life, even if at the time, you didn’t realize it was He who was handing you a life ring. That is certainly something we can find joy in. Hallelujah! and Amen.
Prayer
Lord,
You are present in every moment of our life. You ache when we ache, and You cheer when we cheer. Thank You for the detailed care You provide for us. You do not miss a thing. Help us to remember to lean on You when life brings us challenges. Thank You for Your strength and support in all things. We pray this prayer in Your most precious name, Amen.
