This is one of the psalms of David. This one is written in response to the Ziphites betraying David to King Saul. David had served Saul faithfully for many years. Saul became jealous of David’s popularity with the people and was determined to destroy David. Many years earlier God had sent Samuel to anoint David as the next king of Israel. David served Saul faithfully as he waited for God to do what He said He was going to do.

The psalms are songs. This one is to be accompanied by stringed instruments. In addition to expressions of praise and worship, you will often find prayers and pleas to God for help. That is the case in this psalm. David is running for his life and in a quiet moment he writes this prayer out to God in the form of a song.

In our verse for the day, David asks God to pay attention to what David is saying. At first glance this might sound presumptuous on David’s part. It sounds like David is telling God to listen to him. It is more of a plea than it is a command. But it got me thinking – on what basis can we expect God to listen to what we say?

The simple answer is faith. God responds to us based on our faith. God is God and He will do whatever He chooses to do. But He chooses to respond to our faith. And not just any faith, our faith must be in Him and based upon what He has revealed about Himself in His Word, the Bible. Hebrews tells us the only way to please God is through faith – real faith.

Real faith is humble. Before we ask God to listen to our pleas or prayers, we ought to make sure we are in a right relationship with Him and are reverencing Him as Almighty God, Creator of everything, eternally holy and merciful. We have no right to approach God apart from faith in His Son Jesus Christ. Watch out for pride or arrogance in your approach of God.

Real faith is holy. The bible teaches clearly that a way to make certain God does not listen to your prayers is to be in sin. This is not suggesting that only perfect people can expect God to hear them. If that were true no one, including David, could pray to God and expect Him to listen. Before we pray, we ought to examine ourselves. Is there something in your life that might block your prayers? If so, repent and be cleansed. If you have done that then you can go boldly into the Lord’s presence for grace and mercy. Watch out for sin before you approach God.

Real faith is obedient. If you go to God with something, He might call you to do something before He answers your prayer. For example: suppose you ask God to heal a relationship with someone who has harmed you. God may tell you to take the first step of reconciliation. Before you should go back to God with that same prayer, you should do what He told you to do. Be obedient. Walk in real faith and you can know with certainty that God is listening when you pray. Jesus, help us to walk in real faith.