What God Likes to Hear

One evening as I prayed about a concern I had repeatedly brought to the Lord, I wondered why I struggled to trust God. I prayed something like this: “Dear Lord, You promised that if I am in You and You are in me I could ask whatever I wanted and You would answer, so why am I struggling to believe?”

I hardly expected an answer, but soon after this prayer, the Spirit said, “Praise God, because I want to hear you praise Me.”

Praising God because I knew He desired it was a joyful thing to do. The next morning I read and reread until I had almost memorized Psalm 93. Thinking on these words bolstered my faith. He reigns! He is armed with strength. The more I thought on this, the more I could praise Him for what He is going to do. Throughout that day, when my mind returned to my need, I found myself enabled to praise Him with joy rather than request with doubt.

A week later I awakened with concerns heavy on my mind. At once, I knew that my strength was in returning to praise. My mind immediately went to those memorized phrases from Psalm 93. Once again God’s Word lifted my spirit and my faith. I knew then that having Scripture available to feed on at all times was not an option for me if I wanted to live with confidence and joy.

Dear Jesus, keep reminding me that You delight in the praises of Your people.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).

Day 15 (of 40 Days of Prayer)
Pray especially for Melinda Priest and all who are involved in finalizing the details of the services. Ask that each song be His choice.