Devotionals for the Heart: God hears you when you cry out to Him

When God’s Children Cry
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

“O Lord my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me.”

—Psalm 30:2 (NKJV)

I’ve learned much about God by watching my sister’s relationship with my niece.

My sister’s calming presence is always near her daughter as she is actively observing, nurturing, and guiding her child through the day’s activities. My sister steers her child from dangers and constantly instructs her young one for the best outcomes. When my niece cries, my sister is alerted and concerned. Therefore, she springs into action to address her daughter’s cry. If her child has even a slight injury then I witness my sister, in Mama bear mode, question her child, examine the injured area, kiss the boo-boo, pray with her, and wrap her arms around her toddler’s body as she gives a loving hug and kiss.

Watching my sister interact with her daughter makes me think about how God as our Heavenly Father interacts with us. If humans, being evil, know how to respond to the cry of their child in a caring and compassionate way then how much more will our Heavenly Father hear the cry of His children and be moved to act on their behalf?

In Psalm 30:2, the psalmist directly addresses the Lord. He acknowledges his personal connection and intimacy with the Lord. He recognizes God as the ruler of His life. He submits to God’s sovereignty. He cried out to his Heavenly Father with a request for divine intervention. In this case, the psalmist needed healing that he could not bring about for himself. He knew where his help came from, so he went directly to the source (God).

The psalmist shows us how to cry out to God as our Healer. Scripture says He is the Lord who heals us (Deuteronomy 32:39). God can repair and restore our body, mind, spirit, and soul to complete health. He is our Manufacturer and Maker. He knows the original intent of every fiber of our being. As a result, He is the Mastermind behind His Masterpiece and can heal us completely from the inside-out. In addition to all of this, our Heavenly Father is omniscient and omnipotent. He knows the details of how and when we were hurt. God has all the universe’s resources at His disposal to restore health to our body, mind, spirit, and soul. If the healing resource doesn’t exist, He can create it with His Word. What a mighty God we serve!

God declares in Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV), “Call to me and I will answer you.” This is a Bible-based promise that we can hold onto. Even when it seems like God is silent and we cannot hear Him, He hears us and He will answer us in His perfect time.

Remember: God always hears us when we cry out to Him and He always answers. His ears are open to the cry of the righteous (Psalm 34:15). He doesn’t ignore the cries of the afflicted (Psalm 9:12). This is a promise that is guaranteed. We are not forgotten by God. He sees us and He knows exactly what we are experiencing. Like a Mama Bear responds to the cry of her child, God responds to the cry of His children. He comforts us with His loving presence and reassures us with His certain Word. He heals our brokenness and disease.

If you are crying out to God for healing in any area of your life, please remember:

1. God hears your cry.

2. You are not forgotten by God. Just as a mother can never forget her child, your Heavenly Father can never forget you because you are His child.

3. God loves you deeply. Just as you desire healing, He desires to heal you.

4. God is faithful to fulfill every promise He has made to us—including His promise of healing. As His children, healing is our right.

5. Our cry to God calls Him to act. He will heal us and make us whole.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

You are the God of miracles, signs, and wonders. You are the God who parted the Red Sea so Your people could walk safely to the other side on dry ground. You are the God who raises the dead, heals the lepers, and delivers those bound by sin’s burdens. You are the God who speaks calm to the storms we experience in this life on Earth. You send Your Word and heal our brokenness. I thank You because You are present to heal. You’ve not forgotten us. You’ve not forsaken us. You’ve not disappeared. You are present in the good times and bad times. Father, I pray that we will know this deeply. Help us to hold onto our faith, especially when we are in pain. Help us to believe that You are working for us even when we can’t trace Your hand. Lord, thank You for hearing our cries and answering our prayers.

In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “When God’s People Pray” by Wayne Watson. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Essie Faye Taylor is a woman of faith. She’s a bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter. 

Essie is the author of the “Finding the Love You Deserve” series for women and teens. She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to heal themselves, love and accept themselves, and pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path.

Essie is a Chicago native where she lives with her husband Donald Taylor II.

~*~
Connect with Essie:
Website: www.essiefayetaylor.com
Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Essie%20Faye%20Taylor/author/B09XF3TC22
Listen to Essie’s music at https://on.soundcloud.com/X6DeoRXra7YoKcC2A.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/ on Instagram
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esther.tate.39
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here: http://bible.us/r/Abn

Devotionals for the Heart: Miracles can happen when you praise God

Power in Praise
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”

—Psalm 150:6 (ESV)

In my early 20s, I didn’t fully comprehend the power of praise until I was in desperate need of God’s divine intervention on my behalf.

I was a new drama teacher on a three-year provisional teaching license, since I had been unable to pass the math section of The Praxis, the state teacher’s exam. Math and I have a love-hate relationship. I avoid it at all costs. Yet, I had been forced to take the math section three times because each time I missed the passing score by one point.

When I discovered the state had gone to a composite scoring system (combining scores for writing, reading, and math), I was elated. This meant I could take the reading section again and, by increasing my points, I could offset the math deficiency. I needed to score three points above my previous reading score to make it work.

For months, I studied the guides to The Praxis reading test. The night before the test, I knew I had done all I could do to be ready. One study guide even said not to study anything more the night before because the likelihood of absorbing anything new was low. So, I tried to relax, but my mind raced with worry. What if I didn’t get the extra points I need? I had run out of time to take the test again. This was my last shot.

Everything I tried to use as a distraction didn’t work. So, I opened my Bible and prayed. I went to the Book of Psalm and I found comfort in Psalm 18:6 (ESV), “In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.”

Psalm 18 is King David’s address to the Lord on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies. As I meditated on the Psalm, it hit me:

Whenever David had a problem, he prayed, worshipped, and then, he praised God. He praised God in every circumstance. In the highs, the lows, the sufferings, and yes, even the pain. He is our example of a true worshipper with a heart after God. So, I followed his example. I put on my praise and worship music and for several hours I sang, danced, wept, and praised my God.

The next morning I rose, refreshed and renewed, and took my final reading test. The rest was up to God. Weeks later, I got a notification that my scores were ready. During my lunch break I made the call. When I heard the score I couldn’t believe my ears. I had passed! Not with just three extra points, but seven above that!

Seven is God’s number of completion. I felt in my spirit that not only did He give me what I needed, but because I had taken the time to praise him despite the outcome, he honored his word in Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV), that says, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Don’t miss the most important part of those verses! He is able to do according to the power at work within us. What ignites His power within us is praise.

No matter what your situation, there is power to face it, endure it, overcome it, and change it through your praise. I guarantee it! I encourage you to take the leap of faith forward with praise. Praise Him through your tears, heartache, stress, or sorrow. As David declared in Psalm 150:6 (ESV), “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”

Praise is power. And God’s power will overcome for you! Praise the Lord!

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for working on my behalf as I seek You in my need. I praise You with all that I have and all that I am. I praise You on the mountain and in the valley because You are worthy of all praise in every circumstance. There is no one like You, God. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.”

If you’re not sure how to praise, the song below is an excellent place to start.

Song of Reflection: “Psalm 150” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer currently residing in Northern Virginia. She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is a member of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program, ACFW, ACFW Virginia Chapter (Treasurer), The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint. 

Mirachelle is passionate about awakening creativity and the gifts of God in everyone. Her first historical fiction novel is set during WWII, inspired by her time studying theatre education in London, England. She loves horses, cats, dogs, and all things peppermint!

~*~
Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirachellecanada/
Email: mirachelle@mirachellecanada.com

Devotionals for the Heart: God hears you every time you pray to Him

God is Listening
A devotional by Dr. Jessica B. Turner

“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

—Psalm 34:17-18 (NLT)

Christmastime is my absolute favorite time of the year! The twinkling lights, the smell of the Christmas tree, all the classic Christmas carols and movies. The mere thought of it all puts a smile on my face! Yet, I realize this is not everyone’s reality. In fact, for many this time of the year can be the darkest of all times.

Grieving hearts are asked to pretend as if all is the same without their loved one. Strained relationships are exposed as the stress of the season acts as a catalyst for disrepair. The allure of sin is amplified as abundant opportunities are presented under the guise of harmless fun. Isolation is magnified as the joy of everyone else seems to highlight one’s own despair.

So many factors at play that can lead one’s spirit to be heavy laden. So many opportunities for the enemy to swoop in and “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10).

But there is great hope for those who find themselves struggling, especially this time of the year, and that hope is found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He hears our cries. He sees our pain. He carries our burdens. He holds us closer than ever before when our hearts are broken, and our spirits are crushed. If, and only if, we allow Him to.

Scripture clearly says, “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17 NLT). Don’t miss that small detail. He is waiting for you to invite Him into your heart so He can transform it along with your situation.

If you find yourself struggling this Christmas season, find hope in the fact that Jesus is listening, eagerly waiting for the chance to come to your aid because He loves you more than you can ever imagine. Afterall, He sent His one and only Son (Jesus Christ) “to give his life as a ransom for many”, including you (Mark 10:45 ESV).

Once you truly grasp the meaning of Christmas, you can hold tight to the joy of your salvation regardless of your circumstances. And in the true spirit of Christmas, you can continue to share that hope with others who need it most!

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for the best gift one could ever receive—the gift of salvation. Because of the sacrifices made by Your Son, Jesus Christ, I can have an intimate relationship with You. I can come to you whenever I need knowing that You not only hear me but love me. Cover me with your unwavering joy and peace during this Christmas season and beyond. Help me to share your love and light with everyone I encounter so they may know You and the eternal hope that You give. I love You and I trust You. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Pray On" by Babbie Mason. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica B. Turner is a wife, mom, and LSU graduate with a degree in veterinary medicine. 

 

After practicing small animal medicine for six years, she traded in her stethoscope to become an online wellness coach, motivational speaker, and writer with a passion for mental health advocacy. This major life change was sparked after Jessica struggled with postpartum depression soon after she birthed her twin girls.

Along with Jessica’s career change came the discovery of who Jesus Christ really is and how He was the missing piece for her to be able to move forward from past trauma that she had suppressed for decades.

Jesus walked alongside Jessica as she underwent a transformation like none other. God transformed Jessica’s life from a broken mom who struggled with depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and PTSD from witnessing an attempted suicide, to using her experiences to make her a powerful vessel for Him. To this day, God enables Jessica to touch the lives of others through her often unfiltered, yet inviting, form of storytelling.

Throughout this process of refinement, Jessica has shared her life story with the world through her social media platforms, in-person events, blog posts, and podcasts. She values the gift of transparency and has discovered that what so many people need to know is that they are not alone. Jessica has walked in their shoes, and she wants the world to know that Jesus is walking with them as well.

~*~
Connect with Jessica:
Website: www.jessicabturner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicabturner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabturner/