A Listening Ear

Bible Reading: Psalm 86:1–7; 120:1

“Wow! This beach is crowded today,” Micah said as Mom spread out some towels and Dad planted an umbrella in the sand.

“It’s awfully noisy too,” said Mom. “Everybody’s laughing or shouting or making noise of some kind.”

Adding happy shouts to all the beach sounds, Micah and his brothers and sisters headed for the water. As they passed a lifeguard stand, the lifeguard suddenly jumped down from his perch high up on the tall bench and ran into the ocean. A crowd gathered and watched as, with quick strokes, he swam out into the deep water and rescued a drowning girl.

“I’m surprised the lifeguard even knew that girl was drowning,” said Micah when they were eating their picnic lunch a little later. “There was so much noise all around. I was right there, and I didn’t hear her call for help.”

“Well, your ears and eyes weren’t trained or tuned to hear or see people in trouble,” replied Dad. “Before anyone can work as a lifeguard, they have to take a lifesaving course. When lifeguards are put on duty, they have to stay very alert. They continually watch for anyone who might be in trouble, and they listen for people calling out for help.”

“Cool!” said Micah. “Maybe I’ll learn to be a lifeguard someday.” After thinking about it, he asked, “Don’t they ever miss a call for help?”

“It’s possible, of course,” Dad said. “But I know someone who never, ever misses a call for help. Someone who always hears His children when they need Him.”

“You mean God, don’t you?” said Micah.

Dad nodded. “One verse in the Bible says, ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you.’ Another one says, ‘I cried to the Lord in my trouble, and He answered me.’ Those are just a couple of the verses that tell us God hears when we call on Him. There are many more.”

Micah looked out at all the people splashing around in the water. “God has lots of people to listen to, doesn’t He? Way more than a lifeguard, but He still hears them all!” •Ruth I. Jay

How About You?

Did you know God is always ready to help you when you need Him? He loves you and wants you to turn to Him whenever you’re facing a tough situation. Learn today’s verse, then follow its advice and pray to God when you need help. Trust Him to hear your call and to answer you.

Today’s Key Verse: Jeremiah 33:3 [God said,] Call to Me, and I will answer you. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

God hears His children call