Hearing His Voice #203 - The One Year Hearing His Voice Devotional

You cried to me in trouble, and I saved you; I answered out of the thundercloud and tested your faith when there was no water at Meribah.

Psalm 81:7

FROM THE HEART OF GOD

“The place of Meribah is a place of quarreling; it was given that name because My people quarreled with Me. Moses said they tested Me there, but I was also testing them. Their hearts were full of accusations against Me, thinking I had neglected them and forgotten to take care of their needs. But I was testing their trust, giving them an opportunity to remember My past faithfulness from the Red Sea and apply it to their present situation in the wilderness. And in spite of their complaints, I answered their cries.

“Did you notice that? I abhor complaining, but I still answer the pleas of the complainers. When you are in trouble, I listen and, sooner or later, come to the rescue. I may use the time between the prayer and the response to filter some attitudes out of you, but I still respond. I will not leave you in the wilderness without any provision.

“There have been times when you thought I was unresponsive. You wondered why you cried out and no one answered. You heard explanations of My sovereign will that implied I rarely speak, but those were the opinions of human beings, not the testimony of My Word. You may have wondered if I was withholding My mercy because you had departed from My will or sinned against Me somehow, but My Word makes it clear that even when I discipline My children for sin and rebellion, I am still there to meet their needs. Your faithfulness will allow you to experience more of My favor, but the absence of it does not cause Me to leave your needs unmet. Mercy compels Me. When you cry out, I will answer.”

Lord, I am so unworthy. I have complained against You. I have grumbled about My circumstances and wondered if I’ve forfeited Your favor. But I’m exactly the kind of person Your mercy was meant for. I’m crying out. Let me hear and see Your answers.