"When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears,
and delivers them out of all their distress and trouble.
The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart
and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin
and are humbly and thoroughly penitent."
Psalm 34: 17-18
Hagar and her son, Ishmael in the wilderness of the Arabian desert.
Francois Joseph Navez
(1787-1869)
Belgian Neo-classical painter
THE LORD HEARS
"Psalm 34 has been a source of strength and encouragement
ever since I drank from the "living waters" of eternal salvation in
Jesus Christ. Praising, glorifying, and honoring the Lord as David
did has proven to be a great blessing even in
extremely difficult circumstances.
As a young Christian in college I was often on my knees asking
the Lord to help with college fees and even incidentals-stockings,
underwear, notebook paper, and a warm scarf. The wonderful
thing was that when I sought Him in prayer, He answered!
The main building on our college campus was perched on a
hill overlooking the Hudson River. The setting was beautiful.
Maneuvering was more difficult. It was easy going when we
walked down into the town but coming back was a struggle.
Groups of students often stopped along the way to rest.
I learned and quoted Psalm 34 on those walks up the hillside.
I had no problem with verse 6:
"This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
He saved him out of all his troubles."
I knew then, as I know now, that anyone-man, woman,
young, old, rich, poor, black or white-can call on the Lord, and
He will answer and meet the need.
If you have been going through a difficult period in your life,
if you have been crushed by some unkind deed, or if you have lost
a loved one and are feeling the pangs of loneliness, remember:
the psalmist said that, "the Lord is close to the brokenhearted."
(Psalm 34:18)
Why not take refuge in Him?"
"The Lord Hears"
A devotional reading by
Wanda K. Jones
El Roi
"The God Who Sees Me"
"David's prayers helped to silence his fears; having
sought the Lord, and left his case with Him, he could wait
the event with great composure. But David was a great and
eminent man, we may not expect to be favored as he was;
have any others ever experienced the like benefit by prayer?
Yes. Many besides him have looked unto God by faith and
prayer, and have been lightened by it.
It has wonderfully revived and comforted them; witness Hannah,
who, when she prayed, went her way and did eat, her countenance
was no more sad. When we look to the world we are darkened,
we are perplexed, and at at loss, but, when we look to God,
from Him we have the light of direction and joy and our way
is made both plain and pleasant."
-Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Bible
DID YOU THINK TO PRAY?
Ere you left your room this morning
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor,
As a shield today?
(Refrain)
O how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day;
So when life seems dark and dreary,
Don't forget to pray.
When you met with great temptation,
Did you think to pray?
By His dying love and merit,
Did you claim the Holy Spirit
As your guide and stay?
(Refrain)
O how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day;
So when life seems dark and dreary,
Don't forget to pray.
When your heart was filled with anger,
Did you think to pray?
Did you plead for grace, my brother,
That you might forgive another
Who had crossed your way?
(Refrain)
O how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day;
So when life seems dark and dreary,
Don't forget to pray.
When sore trials came upon you,
Did you think to pray?
When your soul was bowed in sorrow,
Balm of Gilead did you borrow
At the gates of day?
(Refrain)
O how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day;
So when life seems dark and dreary,
Don't forget to pray
"Did You Think To Pray?"
(1876)
Mary Ann Pepper Kidder
(1820-1905)
American hymn writer
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