Psalm 27:7
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
Be gracious to me and answer me.
Abba,
We all want to be heard.
We want to be listened to.
We want our voice to matter.
Fundamentally, this is about value.
The voice that is heard and listened to, is a valued voice.
The voice that is heard is cherished.
It is accepted, pursued even, given priority.
It is about value.
In this earthly life, we run after and seek this affirmation from those whose position, status, skill, charisma, appearance, or success we deem to be greater or more desirable than our own.
If this is true in the human realm, Abba, how much more true is this in the heavenly realm?
How much greater can we go then your holy and majestic name?
We want to know that we matter enough to gain the attention of heaven.
To be heard by you from the throne of heaven;
To know you hear, that you care, that you listen, that you are attentive to us;
This is just about the deepest longing of our human hearts, whether we understand or acknowledge it or not.
To be known, valued, and listened to by the creator of all things…this is a true gift of grace.
For what are we;
Who are we;
that You would even glance at us twice?
As I read this Psalm, by your servant David, facing an unimaginable horror of war and opposition, this cry takes on depths of emotion and meaning that is rich and filled with anguish.
You are his only hope. You are his God.
Your nearness and care ARE his hope.
He pleads with you now not to abandon him in his hour of need.
He pleads for your listening ear.
He pleads to be valued; cared for; and not abandoned in his desperation.
This is a cry that I can relate to.
This is a cry that I can understand.
Indeed, that I echo.
And I don’t think I am alone.
Deep on our hearts is this desire to be known; to be cherished; to be heard by the greatest love our hearts. A love we were created for.
You.
Abba, come! Hear me! Hear US! Hear your children and be near to us in our hour of need.
Affirm your presence and care over us in times of trial and uncertainty!
Not only then, but Abba, also in our hour of abundance! Our abundance matters little if you are not present with us in it!
In all things; in all ways; in all circumstances, be near to us!
Hear us!
Remind us of your estimation of our value in your sight
Remind us how much you paid to redeem, rescue, and deliver us!
Remind us that it was Jesus’ blood that ran for us.
There is no greater love than this.
You declared our life of infinite value by the blood of your almighty, perfect son.
There are no words for this. Only humble, muted silence exacerbating the sound of our falling tears.
We want to be heard, Abba. We want to be valued.
And we are.
Infinitely so.
Blood bought so.
Thorn brow pierced so
Cold dead tomb so
Resurrected life so!
And Jesus, now you sit with attentive ear at the right hand of your father awaiting every word we utter to you with cherished anticipation.
We are valued.
We are heard.
When we are tempted to question your love and care, may your Spirit remind us of these things; may we know you are near; may we know you are listening from your throne, leaning forward in eager anticipation of our words, your ear cocked toward us, and your earnest expression of love and desire upon your face as you take in e…v…e….r….y word we utter, cherishing each one clutching it your chest lest it escape.
Abba, I believe this is the level of passion and earnestness with which you hear us.
The cost of opening this way for us to come directly to your throne was that of Jesus’ blood.
This makes every word we utter to you of countless value and cost.
Yes, Abba, Your ear is attentive to our cry.
You hear our every word.
And you respond.
Let us rest in that glorious truth today.
A Singular Passion 