It’s funny how much wiser we are the older we get. There are a lot of things I would
have done differently had I had the wisdom I do now. I think a lot about the things I
would have done differently with my kids, subtle things when they were young that could
have affected things like their trust.
I relive these moments in my mind watching and playing with my grandkids and thinking
how I want the best relationship I can have with them, one that builds their faith and
trust in me. Children want to put blind faith in their parents (and grandparents) and it’s
easy to let one misstep erode that. Something as simple as asking them to “go ahead
and jump” into the pool towards you and acting like you were going to miss catching
them. This doesn’t build trust in our earthly parents and I believe that even affects how
we feel about a heavenly Father. Can we truly trust Him? Will He be there when we
need Him, does He really listen when we call out to Him?
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save
them. Psalm 145:19. KJV
The latter part of this verse is a reminder from someone who has experienced God’s
“hearing and saving.” David cried out to God on more than one occasion, and for him to
share this from his experience is an excellent reminder and encouragement.
That phrase “will hear,” should dispel any doubt that God isn’t listening, but rather
stands waiting. It isn’t an inconvenience, it isn’t a distraction, it’s who He is! It’s the
picture of God holding out His hands, ready, waiting for you to cry out to Him. He will
hear our cry. He stands ready to hear. He is always on standby for our cry out to Him.
And when we cry out to Him, He stands with His outstretched arms waiting when we
need to jump into those safe and protective arms.
Dr. Ronald J. Barnes, Jr.
President / CEO
July 17, 2023
