Scripture
1 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
Reflection
The psalmist recounts a time when he was in a life-and-death situation and Yahweh miraculously saved him. He has turned his personal testimony into a public declaration of praise. It focuses not only on what God has done in the past, but how that situation has impacted him for the rest of his life.
The Hebrew word used in verse one to describe how God heard him is sama, which means “to hear intelligently.” The psalmist goes on to say that God turned his ear to him. This is intimate language. It’s attentive and personal. He is declaring that the Almighty God cares enough to hear him, turn towards him, and respond in a mighty way. Wow! That’s not a cold and distant God!
I love the Lord.
I will call on him as long I live.
Meditating on these two lines can be so powerful. Sometimes, though, we also need to remember what God has done for us. What has brought you to love the Lord? What has He done in your life that you will call on him as long as you live?
Think of a time when you were in a desperate situation, and God intervened. How was He present? How did He provide for you? How did this impact you? Turn this into your own song of praise.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in your current situation
Prayer
Invite the Holy Spirit to show you something to rejoice over. Look beyond your current circumstances to the Lord of all Creation. Remember that you are fully, unconditionally loved. Take time to rejoice in the goodness of the God who has saved you.
