Expectations | Listen with Great Expectation
The LORD led me to write this prayer as I was reflecting on His faithful listening ear in preparation for this blog:
LORD, I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and I know that full well. You have enabled me to believe and trust in that statement. I am grateful that you are revealing to me the mysteries of your heart. Thank you for whispering in my ear words of compassion and truth. Reassuring me that you alone will fight for me with a jealous love, and I need only to be still. Help me to remain in your Agape, Eros, and Phileo abiding LOVE and friendship! Listen to my cry, O Lord! I desire to draw near to you with an earnest ear; With an ear of expectation. Lord, I yearn for you! May my hope and faith be caught up in the wind beneath your wings and be blown towards you, that I might abide in you and be found in you. Go behind and before me. Fashion me as your own fragrance; As your own melody, that I might be a pleasing and wondrous sound in your ear. I long to spend time with my faithful friend. I pray that you will remind me to reflect on these feelings often. Teach my mind to pray without ceasing, that I might meditate on your everlasting promises. I desire to dwell with you. To dwell within the embrace of your everlasting arms.
In Nehemiah chapter 1, the prophet hears distressing news about Jerusalem and its people. This prompts him to fervently pray before the LORD, expressing his sorrow and dependence on God. He acknowledges the sins of God’s people, who were called out to be a blessing, set aside for His purposes. In response to this deep heart cry, Nehemiah seeks after the favor of the LORD to help restore Jerusalem back to their Creator. Nehemiah's prayer is characterized by an indescribable emotion that goes deeper than grieving groans. In humility, he fasts and mourns for several days, demonstrating his commitment to seeking God's guidance and intervention. His heartfelt plea reflects a profound relationship with the LORD, emphasizing that God hears the prayers of His people, regardless of their circumstances.
Have you ever experienced circumstances greater than your heart could bear? In those distressing moments, may God’s whisper guide you. When life gives you more than you can handle, may He draw you ever near. The prophet Elijah found himself in a place of calamity. 1 Kings 19 depicts how, in those days, King Ahab and Jezebel were seeking to end Elijah’s life on earth. When Elijah learned of this, he initially fled in fear. The LORD met him in his time of need and led him to eat, drink, and rest. He guided Elijah to Mount Sinai, and there he cried to the LORD, and the God of all might met him there. Elijah expected the LORD to speak in the wind, in the earthquake, and in the fire. However, the LORD was most present in the echo of a whisper.
Recently, I found myself in an earth-shattering quake. My circumstances were more than I could handle on my own. It was there that the LORD drew me close and sustained me. He gently reminded me of His truths. I sought Him out in times of worship, and He met me there. He restored my soul. I pray that if you are experiencing similar circumstances, the LORD’s presence would be closer than your very breath. May His face shine upon you and favor be ever near.
