I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. Psalm 17:6
Here’s a question for you. What do the following companies have in common? Starbucks. Nordstrom. Four Seasons Hotels. Lexus. LL Bean. Chick-fil-A. Ritz Carlton. FedEx. UPS. Cadillac. According to a story filed last week by ABC News, all of these companies believe in customer satisfaction and listen to their customers who call in with a complaint or compliment.
There are other businesses, most notably cell phone and cable TV companies, airlines, and banks, which apparently don’t have the same motivation to please. Reliance on automated phone systems, slashed budgets in customer service, and dissatisfied employees cause many of these companies to be consistently rated poorly when it comes to customer satisfaction. Indeed, one cell-phone company, Sprint, recently made headlines because it dropped 1,000 customers because they complained too much.
When I read that article, I was compelled to compare these companies with the Lord. While some people may say God doesn’t care and never hears, the Psalmist confidently said: “I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God, incline Your ear to me, hear my words.”
The Psalmist is painting quite a picture, isn’t he? He is showing us a snapshot of the almighty, all-knowing God sitting on His heavenly throne. He wants us to see the Lord, the Creator, and Master of all that is. In front of God’s great throne stands the Psalmist. What a contrast is made by the small, helpless, humble human. In spite of the great differences between them, the Psalmist calls out: “God, would you please bend down here, incline Your ear and listen to me.”
Wonder of wonders. That is exactly what God does. God takes the time to listen to the prayers and petitions of that one, single human being. If you don’t think that’s impressive, try to get an appointment to see the President or a movie star. The Psalmist wants you to know that God is more accessible than any President, and more caring than any screen star. God listens, because God loves you.
The Lord pays attention to and is interested in everything we have to say to Him because His only Son, Jesus is our substitute and Savior from sin. He inclines His ear when we call on Him. He answers us when we speak to Him.
THE PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, no one could blame You for not listening to us. You are important, and we are not. You see all, and we cannot look into tomorrow. Even so, I am able to thank You for Your listening, Your caring, Your help. May my heart be grateful for the Savior, and for Your inclined ear. In His Name, Amen.
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 1-2, 10 Acts 16:22-40
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