God’s Reputation is Impeccable

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 says, “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.”

We pray based on God’s reputation

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 some examples:

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.