Pay Attention!

Training for Today: Rest

Devotion: Pay Attention!

Ha! How many times have you spoken these words? How many times have you thought these words in a moment of impatience? Think of all the tricks that teachers have developed to get their students to pay attention! I’ve witnessed teachers who turned off the lights, silenced their own voices, raised a finger in the air, and yelled something like, “Hey!” or “Enough!” Regardless of the specific tactic, all of these actions show that the situation was desperate enough that the teacher felt compelled to drastically alter the environment to draw the students back in.


During this week’s devotions, we’ll be contemplating the next verse of Psalm 13: “Look on me and answer, O Lord my God.” Perhaps you’re reacting to this psalmist’s plea the same way that I did: Wow. That’s a pretty bold thing to say to God. To me, it seemed like the psalmist was saying, “Look at me when I’m talking to you!” Would you feel out of line saying such a thing to God?

Don’t. Let’s follow the example of the psalmists who knew that God would listen when they said, “Be attentive to my cry” (Psalm 130:2), “Listen to my cry” (Psalm 5:2, 17:1), and “Hear my cry” (Psalm 28:2, Psalm 140:6). Come boldly before your Maker!

Notice, though, that the writer of our theme verse for this week ends by clearly referring to his object as the “Lord my God”. That’s respect. That’s confidence. That’s surrender to one more powerful.

As you continue your healing process, be bold in prayer this week and surrender to the One who’s all ears. Though you may feel left in the dark at times, He is paying attention!

Prayer
Dear Lord, empower me through your Son Jesus to come boldly before your throne. I know you will hear me. I know you will answer me according to your great plan for my life. I praise you for your grace and mercy in my life. Amen.