Are you forgotten?

Each of us are concerned with what people think of us on any given day.

Some of us, those with people pleasing personalities, often think about this more often than others.

As a matter of fact, I have yet to meet someone who doesn't care at all about the opinions of those around them.

This insecurity can creep its way into our relationship with God.

You've been there, so have I.

"Does God know me?"

"Does he care about me?"

It drains us of confidence, leaves us feeling bruised.

We state with a surety that, "God can't love me after all I have done."

And the most prevailing place these anxieties tear at our hearts is in our prayer life.

We wonder, "does God really listen to me when I pray?"

"I prayed before and it seemed to do no good."

This past week I was reading this from one of my favorite authors, Max Lucado*...

"You can talk to God because God listens.

Your voice matters in heaven. He takes you very seriously.

When you enter his presence, he turns to you to hear your voice.

No need to fear that you will be ignored.

Even if you stammer and stumble, even if what you say impresses no one, it impresses God, and he listens.

He listens to the painful plea of the elderly in the rest home.

He listens to the gruff confession of the death-row inmate.

When the alcoholic begs for mercy...

...when the spouse seeks guidance...

...when the businessman steps off the street into the chapel...

God listens.

Intently.

Carefully." *

Don't believe what Max and I are saying? Do you still wonder if God, if Jesus, if anyone short of the dog, really hears and cares?

How about this...

Jesus says... "the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out [Paraphrased: "I will never, never reject anyone who follows Me"]. **

So, who are you going to believe?

The man who predicted his own death, burial and resurrection and pulled it off...

Or...

The person in the mirror that from time to time wonders whether or not if they can pull off today?

Think about it...

Till next time...

Now... Take a moment and listen to the young lady below... maybe it will inspire you...

* Max Lucado, The Great House of God

** John 6:37b (Amplified Bible)