Then will I hear

Submitted by RR on Tue, 03/03/2020 - 15:38

Shortly before Christmas, the photographer visited Joshua’s nursery; just the right time for Christmas presents for all those loving grandparents and aunts and uncles! Joshua is no stranger to having his photograph taken – what child is these days – so no-one was expecting any problems. But when his turn came, for no reason that anyone could discover, he lay down on the floor and cried. Nothing anyone said, not even mummy, made any difference and eventually they had to give up and go home.

After a while, a rather subdued little boy climbed onto mummy’s lap for a cuddle.

“Mummy sad,” he announced. Mummy agreed, and wondered if he knew why.

“I not want picture,” said Joshua. Then, after a pause, tentatively and hopefully, “I want picture now.”

Unfortunately, of course, it was too late.

Sometimes we have our hearts and minds so set on a course of action, perhaps with the best of motives, that we ignore the warnings of God’s word and carry on regardless. We may get what we want, it may even seem to be a success, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that we have God’s blessing. And He gave them their request, says the Psalmist, but sent leanness into their soul. (Psalm 106:15) Could anything be worse?

Little Joshua was sorry, but it was too late. Thankfully, our God is full of mercy and grace, and always ready to hear the voice of His people lifted to Him in repentance.

If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:1

Come let us praise that Holy Name,

Loved and exalted high!

The name above all men and fame,

That brings salvation nigh.

We are the people of His choice,

Called by His holy name.

Help us to listen to His voice

That takes away our shame.

Humble us now to pray, and seek

The beauty of Thy face;

Grant that we ever shall be meek,

Never Thy truth deface.