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Psalm 34:15 - God Is Never Too Busy To Listen To His Children.

Psalm 34:15 (NKJV) The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.

Psalm 34:15 (NIV) The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;

Psalm 34:15 (NLT) The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.

COMMENTARY PEARLS

God's Attentiveness
   What expression do you think his eyes would have if you could see them? His eyes are like the eyes of the parent of a small child. His eyes are delighted in you and watchful for your well-being. He is attentive to your cry like the mother of an infant. When you call to him for help, he hears you right away. He may not give you what you want, but he will always give you what you need. And he will always listen to you with his full attention, caring about what you have to say.
   God pays attention to everything his children say, do, and need. You are never out of his sight. The Bible says, "The eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love" (Psalm 33:18). Focus your hope on his unfailing love, because his eyes are always focused on you.
   Put your hope fully in God, because his eyes and ears are fully attentive to all your needs. [The Daniel Plan 365-Day Devotional]

God Has Time For You
   Historian Cassius Dio recorded a revealing event from the life of Hadrian, the Roman Emperor from ad 117-138: "Once, when a woman made a request of [Hadrian] as he passed by on a journey, he at first said to her, 'I haven't time,' but afterwards, when she cried out, 'Cease, then, being emperor,' he turned about and granted her a hearing."
   How often we say or hear, "Not now, I'm busy" or "I'm sorry, but I just don't have time." Yet, our heavenly Father, the Master and Creator of everything, always has time for us. The psalmist wrote: "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry ... The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles" (Ps. 34:15-17).
   God is not like the emperor or a busy executive who tries to avoid interruption. Instead, the Father's joy is to listen and respond to His children. "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit" (v.18).
   Hadrian's afterthought was, "I must take time for my subjects." God's first thought is, "I always have time for those who come to Me." Whenever we need to talk, the Lord is ready to listen. [David C. McCasland of Our Daily Bread]

The Hearing Chain
   Ossicles are the body's smallest bones. Located inside the ear, they amplify the vibration of sound waves, causing fluid in the cochlea to ripple. The rippling fluid moves tiny hairs, causing microscopic protrusions on the hairs, called stereocilia, to bend. This bending opens up a channel, allowing chemicals to generate an electrical impulse that travels through a nerve to the brain. This incredible chain of events is what allows you to hear.
   Today's verses present another incredible chain of events. The action begins with the LORD, who focuses His eyes on the righteous. In addition, His ears "are open to their cry." In the Hebrew, the word "open" doesn't appear. A literal translation might say, "His ears are to their cry." It's as though God is already leaning in, His ears alert to the faintest whisper.
   Next, "the righteous cry out." God's people will have trouble. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous," David says in verse 19. Their health may be failing (Psalm 6:2), their conscience may be troubled (v. 3), and their enemies may be strong (v. 7). But unlike the wicked, whom the LORD will one day "cut off ... from the earth" (Psalm 34:16), the righteous will "cry out" to Him for help (v. 17).
   As soon as they do, "the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles." Just as it began, the chain ends with God's action. And note the "all" He wants to fix every problem you face. His deliverance may not come how or when you'd like, but you can trust that it will come in the way He knows is best.
   Dear Father, thank You for listening to my pleas for help! I trust You to deliver me, how and when You see fit. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

CLOSING THOUGHT

Regarding this verse, consider the godly aged. In our society older saints often feel they are not doing their part.  They can't help with the children; their bodies won't cooperate to do certain physically hard work; they have difficultly hearing or seeing; they feel like they can't contribute anymore. This idea must be eradicated! If you are someone like this, or know someone like this, consider Anna who was very old (Luke 2:36,37). She spent her time worshiping, fasting and praying.  Praying. And she was shown the Savior, in answer to her prayers! Older saints today need to be encouraged to pray and not be permitted to think they are second class servants!  Younger ones are not able to pray like Anna. God has ordained His power be bent to earth to do His will, THROUGH PRAYER.  Encourage older saints in this manner.  They are literally on the front lines, bringing God's power to bear on the things of the earth. No one else can render this service; encourage them! [In His Time; Walk With Wisdom]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Psalm 34:18 - The LORD Is Close to The Brokenhearted.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240505-0950.html

Psalm 34:19 - The Blessings of Adversity.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240415-0920.html

John 15:7 - The Key to Answered Prayer.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230512-0928.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/