Dear Mentor, Sometimes I wonder if God hears my prayers.
When I Pray Without Ceasing
"I wait patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry."
~ Pslam 40:1
Dear Christian Mentor,
Have you ever found yourself in a situation that keeps you up at night? It's the one that makes your thoughts spiral into worst-case scenarios. The situation you've been praying about for what feels like an eternity, and you start to wonder if God even hears your prayers or if it's even worth praying about anymore. What can I do when I’ve been waiting on God for a long time and begin to wonder if He hears my prayers?
Dear Mentee,
You're not alone. In Psalm 40, David's experience of waiting patiently for the Lord during a difficult season mirrors our own struggles. His description of feeling stuck in a pit of destruction resonates with our feelings of hopelessness. Yet, he also testifies to the Lord's faithfulness in drawing him out and setting his feet on a rock and a firm place. This reassures us that the Lord hears our cries even when our situations seem hopeless. This knowledge can give us the strength to continue praying without ceasing. Waiting and patience, though challenging, are integral to our spiritual growth. They may bring anxiety, fear, and doubt, but they also offer an opportunity for transformation in the season of patiently waiting. The Lord shapes us to answer our prayers. He allows us to see His character more clearly, strengthens us, and moves us from patiently waiting to praising. This reassurance and hope can sustain us in our times of waiting. In Psalm 40, David moves from crying out in the pit of despair to praising and trusting God. He ends Psalm 40 with, "Great is the Lord! As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God."
Today's Promise: Remember, the Lord hears our cry, so pray without ceasing, and be assured He will help you.
Application: Read Psalm 40. How does David's faith and trust encourage you today?
~ Christian Mentor
