“Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.””
Psalm 27:7-8 NLT
Have we ever heard God talk to us in the way that David claimed? A clear question from a voice within, that seems to be outside of ourselves somehow? David was praying for mercy and he asked the Lord to hear his prayers, and give him an answer. And he then experienced that voice within “Come and talk with me”. Other translations say, “seek My face”, perhaps alternative words that are not quite so clear, but still an invitation into the presence of God.
God is always available to communicate with His children but, if we’re honest, we are not always quite so keen. “I’m busy” is a common excuse. Our work-a day lives seem to have little room for a response to God’s invitation. How do we focus on driving or working or anything else we’re doing, and at the same time have a conversation with God? God understands all of that of course, but there is a way to live a balanced life. We start the day focused on God, in our “Quiet Times”, when we pray and read His Word. We bring into His presence our supplications and intercessions. We praise and worship Him, with prayers of thanksgiving. We confess our sins. And we ask God to lead and guide us in the day ahead. We season our prayers with the Heavenly language God has provided, aware of Romans 8:26-27, “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will“. Paul also wrote, “Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). During our day we pause on occasion, just popping up a quick prayer, involving God in our day to get His perspective on something we’re facing.
Sadly, there are many people in our societies who believe there is a God, but who don’t have a relationship with Him. He has little relevance to them and they blunder on through their lives, making one wrong choice or decision after another. They walk past churches and wayside pulpits without noticing them. They see a bus advert “Try Praying” but wonder what all that is about. They take His name in vain not really understanding what they are saying. Then in a moment of sheer panic and distress – perhaps in a car accident, or after a loved one suddenly dies – they call out to God. He hears them of course, but can they hear Him when He answers? And in the silent distress subsequently experienced they once again reject the God who saves, embittered because they feel so alone. Sadly for them, it takes practice and faith to hear God, that “still, small voice”, that comes from within.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). There’s that invitation again, “Come”. Without the “coming” there can be no rest. To the believers in Laodicea Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me” (Revelation 3:20). A tragedy that Jesus had to ask that question of those who claim they knew Him, but before we disassociate ourselves from this scenario, denying that we would be like them, we must ask ourselves if we too have closed the door in His face? Perhaps not all the time of course, but how often do we exclude Jesus from the decisions and plans we make?
Jeremiah wrote, “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13). Familiar verses but note the association between seeking God in prayer and His answers. Yes, God can do what we ask or need even if we don’t bring the request to Him in prayer – that’s His love and grace covering over our weaknesses. But far better to have that faith-building conversation with the Lord.
We too today echo David’s response to the Lord’s invitation. Yes Lord, our hearts respond with a personal “I am coming”. Today in Your presence we call upon Your name, and bring to You all that is within our hearts, good and bad. Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Do we feel a lack of peace today? Then we must get on our knees and talk to God. He’s ready and waiting to listen to our prayers and he will answer us. Always.
Dear Father God. Please forgive us for our waywardness, our laziness and our selfish ways. We confess and repent today and thank You for Your grace and love. And we pray for Your peace to flow around us today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Being a Pilgrim 