Tuesday prayer & verse (21 07 2009)

Thought for the day

Through the months I have probably send several pages being thankful for the ability to hear. I am learning also to be thankful for some of the things I do not hear. Here are some examples of things I am thankful I do not hear.

I am thankful I do not hear all the negative things said, thought, and felt about my writing, preaching, and teaching. Even a single comment can send me into a tailspin of questioning and self-doubt.

I am thankful I do not hear all the things the "other drivers" have to say about my driving. Reading lips is quite sufficient.

I am thankful I do not hear all the things my children say about me, especially after they have been disciplined. The look in their eyes says plenty.

I am thankful I do not hear more vulgarities and foul language than what I do. Standing in line for a cup of coffee can provide me with language I never cared to hear.

I am thankful I do not hear all the times people make fun of me. I have heard enough to understand the pain it can cause, and remind me to be thoughtful of others.

I am thankful I do not hear any more compliments that I hear. One or two can inflate my ego to a dangerous level.

I am thankful I do not hear all the cries for help that my Father hears. He knows how much I can handle and thankfully limits the number that I hear.

I am thankful I do not hear any more noise than what I do hear. I hear enough to make me appreciate a quiet morning.

I am thankful I do not hear more long periods of silence from the Lord than I do. Short periods of silence are enough to frighten me and cause me to question my relationship with Him.

I am thankful I do not hear the Lord condemn me, reject me, or tell me He no longer loves me. He knows I could not handle those words.

Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." He wants us to listen. But, He also knows we cannot bear to hear all the sounds that He hears. He knows that for us, some things are better left unheard. He hears it all.

Thankful I don't hear what I don't need to hear,

Verses

Hebrews 11:6

Without living by the Unseen, it's impossible to get such approval. For anyone who is serious about the God-life, must stake everything on the fact that God is, and that he amply rewards those who make him their quest.

Matthew 8:17

So that the word of Isaiah the prophet might come true: He himself took our pains and our diseases.

Ephesians 4:29

Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say.

Luke 5:16

So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.

2 Corinthians 9:8

God has the power to supply you abundantly with every kind of blessing, so that, with all your needs well supplied at all times, you may have something to spare for every work of mercy.

Prayer

Father, we contemplate the deep thoughts of the Psalmist who asked why You bother Yourself to care for all humanity. We are so small in comparison to the great works of the universe which You not only created but also sustain with perfect order, viability and replenishment day by day, year after year. You know the millions of stars in the galaxy by name and yet You are moved by the smallest burden that I bear this day. Your power is evident all about me and within me. I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made by You, the Master Designer. Amen.