Psalm 5 – – Proverbs 2:1-8 (it would help to read these before you read further)

“Give ear to my words, O Lord.”  This psalm is a passionate plea for God to know my heart’s cry.

Why does David believe that God will hear his cry? Because David not only desires to be heard, but also puts himself in a place to be heard – – of course, not a place as far as physical location, but a place in his heart.  He knows he is surrounded by God’s love; he comes to God humbly, well aware of the awesomeness of being in His presence.  He longs to be found walking in God’s righteousness.” For you bless the righteous, O Lord; You cover him with favor as with a shield.”

Solomon echoes those words in Proverbs 2:7 – – “He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice, and watching over the way of his saints.”  Solomon writes that God responds readily and generously when His people ask for wisdom and understanding (knowing so from his own experience with God) . . . provided that they ask seriously. God’s wisdom doesn’t come to those who don’t passionately desire it and work at finding it.

SO . . . these passages raise at least two questions:

1) Do I really want to be heard by God?  If I do, then I’ll put my mind and heart in a place of humble submission, as completely as I am able.

2) Do I really want to hear God? If I do, the answer is the same; I’ll put my mind and heart in a place of humble submission, as completely as I am able.