Listen Close - by Elizabeth Reynolds

Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: ‘Here am I’.

Isaiah 58:9

An encouraging verse. But you should probably know, it comes after a long passage about how to fast properly, being humble and selfless, and if we do this in the right way, then we can expect the Lord to answer us (Isaiah 58:1-9). The ‘THEN’ at the start of the verse should have given us this clue – that there’s some kind of condition. It would be nice to be able to say to others and ourselves that God always hears us and answers our prayers. But the truth of the matter is, several scriptures in the Bible suggest that there are times our prayers won’t be heard.

This implies that we should read those scriptures, and find out what the deal is! Here’s just a few to get you started:

• Isaiah 1:15-17

• Psalm 66:18

• Proverbs 28:9

• John 15:7

• James 4:3

• 1 Peter 3:7

Along with the above Isaiah passage, this is probably enough to be going on with for now! Have a read when you get the chance and perhaps make a list of all the things that God tells us must go along with our prayers for them to be heard or, at least, taken seriously. (I am not saying these conditions dictate our salvation. That is another matter!)

It also occurs to me that when God does answer our prayers, we need to have open ears to be able to hear that answer correctly. Earlier in Isaiah (55:2-3), it says Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.  Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.

We must come close to someone to hear them properly. Especially when they are quiet, and quite often, God speaks to us in a quiet voice. Perhaps that’s the reason. So that we do have to come near, you know, really sidle up close alongside Him. Hear His breath, feel His heartbeat…

I pray this blesses and challenges you today.