Posts Tagged ‘eloquent’

God’s Reputation

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

Our reputation is a priceless treasure…when it’s a good one, of course. Most of us want to be known for our integrity – that we’re reliable and honest in all our dealings. Depending on one’s role in society, we might also like to be known for our technological savvy, our money smarts, our intellectual abilities, or our creative giftedness. We try hard to live up to our reputation, and we probably feel hurt if others don’t trust it.

God has a reputation, too, and it’s a goodie. Through the ages, He’s proven Himself to be faithful and compassionate to those who love Him. Time and experience show that He’s able to do the impossible. He’s eternal, never-changing, and all-wise. He’s capable of turning tragedy to triumph and turn sorrow into joy. And that’s just the beginning! Based on His rock-solid reputation, we have every reason to trust Him and His commands.

God’s reputation gives us assurance that He hears us and will answer when we call to Him for help. Psalm 109:21,26 say, “But deal well with me, O Sovereign Lord, for the sake of your own reputation! Rescue me because you are so faithful and good…Help me, O lord my God! Save me because of your unfailing love. Let them see that you yourself have done it, Lord.”

You know what strikes me in these verses? The pray-er’s faith that God will answer based solely on His reputation as being faithful, good, and loving. There’s no hint of trying to convince God that he’s a good person who deserves help. He simply lays out his concerns and then asks God to answer because of who He is.

This is a good prayer model for us. Here are a few examples:

  • When we’re anxious about wayward kids, we can ask God to draw them back to Himself because of His unfailing love for them.
  • When circumstances threaten to overwhelm us, we can ask Him for strength and wisdom because He is faithful and good.
  • When we’re afraid of financial setbacks, we can ask God to meet our physical needs for the sake of His reputation as Jehovah Jireh, the provider.

I find encouragement in knowing that whether or not God answers my prayers isn’t based on how eloquent my words are, or how good I am. It’s based on who He is, and that never changes.

Can you think of other examples to add to the list above?

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A Two-Word Prayer

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

I’m glad God doesn’t care if our prayers are eloquent. Frankly, sometimes I’m too tired to utter beautifully composed words. Sometimes I’m too perplexed to know even what words to use. The best I can muster is “Lord, help!”

The Israelites often felt the same way. Check it out:

  • Psalm 107:4-7 – “Some wandered in the desert, lost and homeless. Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. ‘Lord, help!’ they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress. He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live.”
  • Psalm 107:10-14 – “Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, miserable prisoners in chains. They rebelled against the words of God, scorning the counsel of the Most High. That is why he broke them with hard labor; they fell, and no one helped them rise again. ‘Lord, help!’ they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; he snapped their chains.”
  • Psalm 107:17-20 – “Some were fools in their rebellion; they suffered for their sins. Their appetites were gone, and death was near. ‘Lord, help!’ they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He spoke, and they were healed – snatched from the door of death.”
  • Psalm 107:23-30 – “Some went off in ships, plying the trade routes of the world. They, too, observed the Lord’s power in action, his impressive works on the deepest seas. He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves. Their ships were tossed to the heavens and sank again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end. ‘Lord, help!’ they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor!”

The people cried, “Lord, help!” Their words were neither poetic nor well planned. They were a simple plea, an acknowledgement of their need for God. How did He respond? He rushed to their rescue and met them at their deepest point of need. He led the lost and homeless to a city where they could live. He set the prisoners free. He saved those who were suffering consequences for their sins. And for those struggling to survive a storm, He stilled the waves and brought them safely to the harbor.

“Lord, help!” – two words that set almighty God to action on behalf of those who acknowledge their need for Him. Amazing, isn’t it?

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