June 29

Hear Me When I Call

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 141:1-10 | 2 Kings 15:1-16:20 | Acts 19:13-41 | Proverbs 18:4-5

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalms 141

I call to you, LORD, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice (Psalm 141:1-2. NIV).

Whatever we face it is good to know we have a place to turn; wherever we go it is good to know we have someone to hear our concerns. The Psalmist beautifully pours out his heart to God seeking his protection and intervention against unnamed enemies.

While he is concerned about his enemies – evildoers he calls them—his prayer is focused more upon himself and his response to his enemies. There is often little we can do about the enemy, but we can pray for strength to respond well.

He prays for his mouth—that God would guard his words and keep him from saying something he would later regret. What a wise prayer. Our words can often lead us into even more dangerous places; often getting us into even more trouble.

He prays for his heart—his inner being—that he would not be drawn to evil. He knows the powerful draw of sin and evil. He prays for vigilance to stand against it.

He prays for his eyes—that they would be fixed on the LORD. God is his refuge and strength. As he keeps focused on the LORD, he expects to find safety.

He prays for his feet—that they would not get caught in the snares of the enemy. Instead he hopes that his enemies will fall into their own traps.

When we are confronted by opposition, we do well to follow the Psalmist in pouring out our hearts to God. We do well to pray for our response to that opposition—that God will strengthen our mouths, hearts, eyes and feet to follow his ways and not fall into the snares laid for us.

Father, guard my words this day. Keep my heart from evil. Strengthen my feet that they would not get caught in the snares of the enemy. I give myself to you today—every part. Use me for your glory. Amen.