Does God Have Ears?

^{1 John 5:14-15} This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

I know I’m not the only one who wonders if God hears our prayers. Not only hears them, but is attentive to our immediate need. Doesn’t it sometimes feel like God has taken a vacation from prayer answering? Who could blame him if he did? I’ve noticed something about myself lately. When God doesn’t answer within the time parameters that “I” set for Him to answer or provide, I start to feel like He’s angry with me or holding out until I settle something…to teach me a lesson. I understand that sometimes there is sin that needs to be confessed before God allows His blessing to flow or before He removes a certain obstacle. But what if this isn’t the case? What if I’m all fessed up? Do I continue to beat myself up and allow a false guilt to set in and rob my daily joy?

I don’t know about you, but right now I’m feeling the pressure of real needs that need to be met. It’s like watching one of those hour glasses that come with board games. You’re trying to remain calm and concentrate, but that sand just won’t slow down. Well, before I depress you to death and have to write another blog about that, let me give some encouraging news…He hears us and He cares!  There are so many examples of God’s provision in the scriptures. There’s no way I could list them all here without putting you to sleep so instead I just want to focus on the passage found in 1 John 5:14-15. Here are some brief observations…

• We are to have confidence in approaching God

We don’t need to ever feel insecure or inadequate before our God. He cares for us. We belong to Him. He paid a great price to make us His through Christ. Do you not think He will protect and guard us in all things? Will He not continue to demonstrate His ability to provide for our every need? Do you believe that He is able? Then don’t worry! Worry is the opposite of faith!

• We are to ask according to His will

I haven’t the slightest clue what is going to happen tomorrow. I don’t even know what’s going to happen 10 minutes from now…5 minutes from now. Why would I be so bold as to hold my will over God’s will? Do I think I can do better, faster, and more complete? The truth is that His will is perfect; not just good or suitable. It is perfect. Can you name one time in your life when God was not on time? Can you name one time when He forgot you and left you stranded? I didn’t think so. He may not have answered in the way you thought was best and He may not have answered in the time that you had set for Him, but looking back I’m sure you’d say that He always had things under control. The question is what are you asking for? And, more importantly, does it line up with God’s will?  How do we know that what we are praying for is His will? I define it this way…If what you are asking for will lead you away from Him or His purposes for your life then it isn’t His will. However, If what you are asking for will draw you closer to Him and strengthen your character to accomplish His purposes for you then it is His will. So, for example: You need a job. Bills are mounting and time is of the essence. Like sands through the hour glass, you watch as time slips quickly without regard for your need. You pray. You pray again. You’ve been praying. Others are praying for you. “What’s going on!!??”, you ask in frustration. Meanwhile the car payment envelope is staring at you like Kimbo Slice (scary MMA fighter). Assuming you’re not living in outright sin, is it God’s will for you to have a job secured? Of course it is! It is His will that you be able to work and earn your pay honestly and justly. It is His will that you follow through on your commitments and responsiblilities. Doing so demonstrates Godly character. It is His will that you do not live in stress or depression. Of course He wants to provide work for you. “Then why is He taking so long?” Good question…Perhaps you haven’t looked for work or are too selective. Perhaps He is strengthening your faith. Perhaps He is causing you to depend on Him and only Him as your provider. One thing is for sure; His way is better than our way and He knows what He’s doing.

• Know that He hears you

God’s ears haven’t gone bad. I’m not even sure he has ears, but this passage in Psalm 18:6 seems to suggest he does. It says, “ In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.”Either way, you can be sure that He has heard your plea and He will answer with your best interest at heart. Remember that God does not opperate in our time. He’s not bound by time. He sees all things and knows all things. Also, remember to always pray with an attitude of thankfulness for what you do have.

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