It's pouring rain in Indianapolis this morning, and the forecast tells me it's not going to get better any time soon. But, thankfully, I'm not focused on the cold and gray outside, I'm choosing instead to focus on things more potent than rays of sunshine (although we all know I love me some warm sunshine!)
This morning took me to Luke 18 and the account of the blind man sitting on the roadside near Jericho. When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he began to call out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Those who were with Jesus tried to get him to be quiet (every time I read this, I wonder, what in the world were they thinking?!?) However, their negativity only spurred him on to holler louder - he refused to be deterred. Man, I love that!
As much as I would love to expound on this passage - I'll keep it short and sweet for a Monday morning.
USE YOUR VOICE.
What's on your heart? CRY OUT to Jesus. The blind man knew that Jesus could heal. Maybe sometime along the way he had heard Psalm 146 -
The Lord sets prisoners free
The Lord gives sight to the blind
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down (vs. 7-8)
Because he refused to be silenced (even by those who were traveling with Jesus!) and he continued to call out -
Jesus stopped. (Luke 18:40)
Well, now. Ain't that something?
Girlfriend, listen. You can have Jesus' attention today.
What's on your mind?
What's causing you grief?
What's worrying you?
What's bothering you?
What's holding you captive?
What's causing you to fear?
Use your voice.
Call out to Jesus.
Hearing you call out to Him will cause Him to stop and listen every. time.
Personalize the truths in Psalm 146 -
The Lord is well able to set YOU free from any prison - so call out to Him.
The Lord is well able to give YOU clear sight into every situation - so call out to Him.
The Lord is well able to lift YOU up - so choose to bow down before Him.
Let nothing - not even other followers of Jesus - convince you to be quiet, or to quit praying, or to quit calling out. There's power in the spoken word - so open your mouth and call out if you want Jesus to stop and listen. He wants nothing more than to hear you call His name.