God Listens

The Upper Room Devotion for Wednesday, June 12, 2024, was written by Desiree Woodland of New Mexico.

---

Scripture

13 But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me. With your faithful help 14 rescue me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters. 15 Do not let the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the Pit close its mouth over me. 16 Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me. 17 Do not hide your face from your servant, for I am in distress—make haste to answer me. 18 Draw near to me, redeem me, set me free because of my enemies.

Psalm 69:13-18 NRSV

---

Author's Thoughts

In my retirement, I started a housecleaning business. One day a woman asked me to stop by her father's house and provide a price quote. His grief over the recent loss of his wife, of over 60 years, had led him to neglect caring for his home.

At the house, I met a slim, bespectacled man named Gordon. He pointed out pictures of his grandchildren, daughter, and wife, Grace. Tears welled up in Gordon's eyes as he told me how he and Grace had loved to play golf and how her delicious cooking always included green chili. He missed those meals, her company, and her voice. When we came to a large protrait of Grace over the mantel, he asked, "Isn't she beautiful?" Whenever I come to clean, Gordon let his grief come to the surface.

Looking back at my time with Gordon, my most important contribution wasn't cleaning - it was listening. Our humanity is validated when someone cares enough to listen to us. In scripture, God promises to listen to us and attend to our prayers. When we listen to the stories of others' lives, we become like God's ear extended to them. Let's ask God for opportunities to listen to the people God brings into our lives.

---

Thought of the Day

When I listen to someone, I show them God's love.

---

Author's Prayer

Dear Lord, make us aware of the needs of those around us. Guide us to take time to share your love with others by listening. Amen.