This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us— whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
In a world of competing voices that is filled to the brim with “noise,” it is a normal desire to simply want to be heard. In fact, the desire to be heard begins at a very young age. Watch small children around adults—particularly their parents—and see how desperately they work to be heard. They tug on our pants, tap our legs, yell our names, grab our faces to force eye contact, and even sometimes commit disobedient acts just to draw our attention to them. Children want us to watch them and listen to them. It is part and parcel of being human. Husbands and wives desire to be heard as well. In order for a marriage to be healthy and thriving it must have a foundation of good communication. Men and women must listen to one another. “My dear brothers, take note of this,” wrote James, “everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” It is incredible to think how positively relationships would be affected if each of us made a commitment to listen to others. We all want to be heard, and when we are not, it is frustrating and discouraging. When we are reminded that God hears our pleas and petitions, as we are in 1 John 5:14-15 above, it is refreshing and comforting. Knowing that there is One who hears us—according to his will—gives us greater confidence in living for and following him. Our cries do not dissipate in the ether, nor do our hopes go unrealized. Rather, we serve a God who is faithful in every way. He hears us.
Enjoy the day.
–Ricky