Praise

I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;

    he heard my cry for mercy.

 

Because he turned his ear to me,

    I will call on him as long as I live. 

The Lord is gracious and righteous;
    our God is full of compassion.  Psalms 116:1-2, 5

I read these verses the other morning and it struck me that God, the creator of the universe, my King and Savior, turns His ear to me when I call on Him and cry for mercy.  He cares about my deepest longings and He wants me to turn to Him for everything I desire.  This is something that is so hard to grasp, I am significant to HIM.  Not only that, but He desires that I have joy and an abundant life in Him.  The Psalmist goes on to say in verse 5 that the Lord is gracious, righteous and full of compassion. Each of these words is so packed with meaning that show how much He loves us, and each one could be a whole topic of discussion by itself, but my question is; what should MY response be to one who loves me so much?  I think it is in the opening statement - I love the Lord, but this then brings up another question; how can I adequately demonstrate my love to one so great?  I am not capable of accomplishing this but, again because of His love, He gives me the power to live a life that glorifies Him.  This is what he requires, and is how I can exhibit - however inadequately - how much I love Him.  The very next psalm also declares the Lord's great love and faithfulness toward us.  It also begins and ends with an appropriate response - praise.

 

Praise the Lord, all you nations;

    extol him, all you peoples.

For great is his love toward us,

    and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the Lord.   Psalm 117

Father, who hears my prayers, I am not capable understanding your great love for me, but I ask that my life be a reflection of that love.   I thank you that when I cry out to you for mercy, you are there and because you are full of compassion, you listen and supply all my needs.  I pray that in all I do your name will be glorified, that others will see your work in my life and will be drawn to your love for them. When I am going through tough times and am unsure of what is coming next, even then let your praise be on my lips and your joy shine in me. Thank you for who you are and for loving me.