Answer me when I call you,
My righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
Have mercy on me and
Hear my prayer.

How long will you people turn
My glory into shame?
How long will you love
Delusions and seek false gods?

Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant
For himself;
The LORD hears when I call to him.

How honest is this prayer! We see here three parts to honest prayer: the cry to God, the response to detractors, and the reminder to self.

We pray often because we’re in distress! “LORD we need relief.” “Deliver us!” “God please…” That’s good and normal praying.

But then we hear the voices of others around us trying to embarrass us or shame us into not being so pathetic and needy and asking God to help us: “You don’t still believe that old stuff do you?” “Are you still in the dark ages?” How long will you people turn my glory into shame?

We hear that voice. Sometimes it’s our own self-talk and we need to remind ourselves: God has called me, set me apart, and he does hear when I call to him.

I’m not sure what conversations happen when you move to pray but be reminded of Him who is truer than any of the thoughts that float about in your head.

Many, LORD, are asking, ‘Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.

Praying with you this day.

Andrew