A Good Listener

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust…But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him.  Psalm 103:13-14 & 17a

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It’s so easy to complain about things—other people, the way I look, the way I feel, the weather, my job—whatever. But you know what? Sheba doesn’t care. For one thing, she’s now deaf; but even when she could hear clearly it never mattered. She’s always loved me unconditionally, even when she was the one I complained about.

I think God listens much like Sheba used to listen—she’d sit and stare into my eyes while I talked to her—for that matter, she still does even though she can’t hear a word I say. God sits and stares into my heart and soul as I pour out my complaints—he compassionately cares for me anyway. Even if he’s the target of my grumbling and complaining heart, his love never wavers, and there’s nothing I can say that will sway his love and attention away from me. But perhaps sometimes he simply allows some of my complaints to fall on “deaf ears” simply because they’re so empty and meaningless—always hearing me certainly, but ignoring my pettiness because he knows my weaknesses and continuing to love me unconditionally.

Belonging

Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need…He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  Hebrews 4:16 & Psalm 91:1

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Sheba is completely at home in my presence; comfortable and trusting, unafraid of approaching me at any time of the day or night because she knows that she is loved and she will not be turned away. She also knows that she belongs here and that certain rights and privileges are hers. With her own pillow in just about every room of our home, she follows me from room to room so she can rest wherever I am; content, as long as she has me in sight.

Oh that I would be as comfortable in God’s presence—following his lead from one place in life to another, unafraid as long as I’m in his presence. Oh that I would come boldly before him at any time, knowing that I’m loved and that I’m an heir to his kingdom. Oh that I would be content just to rest in him, watching and waiting patiently for his next move.