Read the Book: April - JuneSample

Week 23

Psalm 54-Psalm 55

A Trusted Listener

“As for me, I call to God and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress and he hears my voice.” Psalm 55:16-17

Whether you are sitting down with your spouse or your best friend, there are times when you are walking through a difficult situation or decision and need someone to listen—and only listen. Most of the time, we can resolve the problem stirring within us by going through the process of talking it through. But have you ever talked with someone that just wants to jump in and solve all your problems? This can be frustrating in a marriage or friendship when what you seek the most is their attention and care.

But it can be equally as frustrating when we do want advice and guidance and our trusted companions aren’t coming through. And maybe you’ve bee on the other end, when someone was needing you to listen or give guidance, and you weren’t sure what to do. Having a cue can be helpful, but no matter what, helping always begins as this: being a trust listener. And we have this in more than just our friends, family, or spouses—we have this in God. 

Picture David as he was talking with his closest companion, God. There are times we are like David as he described his heart pounding in his chest, his body shaking, and his mind feeling overwhelmed by fear. We can relate when he said, “Oh, if I had wings like a dove, I would fly away and rest. I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness” (Ps. 55:6-7). David called out to the Lord to listen, hear, and answer. He recognized God as his helper, sustainer, and deliverer. David ended his psalm with, “But as for me, I trust in you.” 

No matter what you are currently facing and no matter what is on the horizon, close your devotion time today with, “Lord, I trust you,” and envision the peaceful feeling of being on the wings of a dove. 

“Cast your cares on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 56:22

Family Connection: Throughout the week, talk about your needs versus your wants. The Bible tells us that God sustains us. What does sustain mean? When we say that God sustains us we are saying that He is the one who keeps us alive – He gives us the things we need to live (like food and water) and He is the One who physically keeps us alive!  Read Phillipians 4:19. How does this verse say God meets all of our needs? Through His son, Jesus, He meets our greatest need - for forgiveness and everlasting life!