Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. — Psalm 4:1 KJV
Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. — Psalm 4:1 NIV
Thought and Reflection
At first glance, this plea for help appears to be very demanding. But, closer examination shows that it is actually the cry of desperate need. Have you ever been there? I certainly have, and am regularly hearing from those who are in the same place today. However, take a look at the way this Psalm closes.
What’s the secret to making it through the long suffering? I believe that three aspects are crucial: 1.) faith in our prayers to God and with our family 2.) faith that God listens and is attentive even when our prayers are sparked by anger and pain 3.) sincere gratitude for God that is incorporated into our prayers, even when things seem hopeless. It’s not a formula that is magical however, it’s an inspiration from God.
My Prayer
O God I pray that you listen to my plea for relief and also my loved ones who I love from pain as well as the burdens and suffering. Thank you for your response with amazing and miraculous ways to ensure that we do not just be relieved but that you will be glorified too. In Jesus the name of Jesus, I ask. Amen.