1 Chronicles 5

Well, after reading today’s blog, you may think, Duh! However, I’ve never been one to shy away from the obvious, especially since it’s the small, obvious things that we sometimes tend to overlook. So, from time to time, it’s good to stop for a moment and recognize the little things that sit in front of our noses all the time.

Today’s obvious lesson comes from our fifth chapter of genealogies: "[The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh] were helped in fighting [their enemies], and God delivered the Hagrites and all their allies into their hands, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him." (vs 20)

If you’re like me, it can be hard sometimes to remember that God listens to our prayers. So many times in my life, God has seemed so far away, and I have caught myself wondering if I’m just talking to the empty sky. However, it’s verses like this one that remind us—time and again—that God is not distant and far away. He’s near, even when we can’t perceive Him. And He’s listening, even when we think He’s not.

When we call out to God, He is right there to help us. Now, many of us confuse the idea of being helped by God with expecting Him to just give us what we’ve asked for. (See yesterday’s blog for commentary on that subject.) Certainly, God’s help may not come in the way we expect it, but He does hear us when we call on Him. And when we call on Him, He answers. He comes to the rescue.

This made me think of the opening to one of my favorite Psalms: "God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid even if the earth shakes, or the mountains fall into the sea, even if the oceans roar and foam, or the mountains shake at the raging sea." (Ps 46:1-3)

Facing a scary situation? Remember that God stands ready and willing to help you. Facing an uncertain future? Remember that there is a God who hears you. He hears every word you say, and He even hears the groaning and sighing of your heart—when you’re so weary that you can’t even form words.

He is refuge. He is strength. And when you call on Him, He will help you.