“When God Bends Down” (Pick a Card Series)
May 31, 2023
“Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”
– Psalm 116:2
The image of God bending down to listen to our prayers, reminds me of the many parents who crouch down to a child’s level when talking to them. It is up to parents to communicate clearly and effectively with their children, and one way to achieve that is by bending down to the child’s level.
Most marriage and family experts tout the benefits of this practice. Bending down sends a strong message to the child that they are important and that the parent desires to respond to them. Crouching down to talk to a child involves active listening which bolsters a child’s confidence and encourages them to express how they are feeling.
Overall, bending down to talk with children is a way to show respect and attention to a child. Eye contact sends the following messages:
I am listening to you
I care about what you are saying
You matter to me
I hear what you are telling me
You have my attention
I respect you
Nothing else is more important than this moment right now
If earthly parents know how to bend down to listen, how much more so our Heavenly Father!
“Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”
Psalm 116:2
This verse expresses gratitude for God’s attentiveness to the psalmist’s prayers and the resulting commitment to continue to call upon God. The psalmist recognizes that God has shown a willingness to listen and respond, and in turn, pledges his own ongoing devotion to God.
When God bends down to listen, I experience His presence and care and my faith and relationship with Him deepens!