Claiming the Promise of Listening

Scripture:
Listen to this prayer of mine, God;
pay attention to what I’m asking.
Answer me—you’re famous for your answers!
Do what’s right for me.
But don’t, please don’t, haul me into court;
not a person alive would be acquitted there.
Psalm 143:1-2

Observation: Throughout a series of psalms in this part of the book, the writer(s) have been appealing to the Lord for help from their dire circumstances and attacks from others. They beg for the Lord to hear their appeals and protect them. However, this appeal is different. Yes, the psalmist appeals to the Lord to hear their prayer, but what they need protection from is ... judgment.

This person isn't being wrongly attacked. He has done wrong. His wrong is so clear-cut that any judge and jury would find him guilty. This includes the Lord, for this person has sinned, and he knows it is Yahweh who is both the judge and jury in such matters, and thus there is no doubt that he will be condemned. However, the writer makes an appeal, not to a judge, but to a merciful father. He asks simply, please listen to me, hear me out, and have mercy.

In other words, the writer knows that the Lord God almighty, the powerful sovereign God of the universe, has laws and rules and precepts, and he has violated them. He deserves judgment. However, he also knows that this same God is his father, with whom he may talk, and he would like to have a conversation about what has happened in his life and receive both mercy for the past, and guidance for the future. He believes the Lord will listen to him, because the Lord loves him and desires a relationship. Therefore, he is bold enough to ask for a conversation, not a trial. He knows the loving sovereign God of the universe will listen.

Application: I am full of sin and failure. Over and over and over I ask for deliverance from my sin, because I keep sinning. I can't seem to just do right and get my life and my soul better. I know God is disappointed in me, and I know he sent Jesus because there a billions like me who believe in and love the Lord, but can't live right.

So I claim this promise of listening. I claim the promise that the Lord will not just pass judgment on me, but does listen to my prayers, listens to my reasoning, and like a father extends both correction and guidance. He engages with me and in my life, and I want that. I am trying to be better, though I'll never be good enough. However, I can talk to my father, maintain my relationship with him and with Jesus, and he will listen.

Prayer: Abba, my daddy in heaven, I thank you for Jesus, through whom I can sincerely have a relationship with you. Please do listen to me. I am attacked regularly, and I am too weak to fight back properly. I desire your Holy Spirit to strengthen me, and your word to fill me, and your love to overwhelm me. May I find that I grow stronger in your ways every day. Thank you for listening. Amen.