God Hears Us – Manton’s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119 – Part 2

Despite what may sometimes seem otherwise, God hears his people. Prayer is an important and intimate communion with God in which we take our praises and petitions while seeking forgiveness. It’s a moment to gain clarity of God’s signal in our lives of constant distraction and noise.

However, it sometimes seems that God does not hear our pleas. And those times that he does, it may be far more delayed a response than what we expected or thought it should be. And then there are times when it seems like God didn’t agree with what we thought we were requesting.

In this second part (read part 1 here) of studying Dr. Thomas Manton’s 27th sermon on Psalm 119 in tandem with Jonathan Edwards’ 65th resolution, we reflect upon the fact that, indeed, God hears us.

Jonathan Edwards Resolution

Edwards’ Resolution #65 (as it was written)
Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton’s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26 and Aug. 10, 1723. Aug. 17, 1723

Edwards’ Resolution #65 (in my modernized language)
To live in full openness with God, including: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires; and every thing in every circumstance. (See Dr. Manton‘s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119.)

God Hears Us

If we’re honest, we all can admit to wondering, at times, if God really cares and if he really wants to hear from us. That’s our human doubting at work. Our skeptical minds tell our corruptible hearts to reconsider our views. And yet, God really does care and really does want to hear from us.

If you’re doubting that fact, consider that our prayers frequently end with a phrase akin to, “…we pray in Jesus name.” This is not just a cultural nomenclature. It’s Biblically rooted and purposeful.

At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.- John 16:23 NLT (emphasis added mine)

You see, we find a direct audience with God. Not one that must go through middle ground persons. Direct to the father. Why is this and how is this? It’s because of the acceptance of Jesus as Lord of our lives.

How God Responds to What He Hears

In his sermon, Manton states there are two ways in which God generally responds to us; Inward and Outward.

The first way is inward, which is through the spirit. In such responses, God leaves an impression of confidence and/or an answer of mercy. This a sense of calm or peace about matters. A holy antidote for earthly anxiety, fear, distrust and more. It’s a confidence in knowing that God indeed hears us and does respond – even if it is not the precise response we have in mind.

God not responding in ways we envision is indicative of the second method of God’s responding. Manton says this is an outward response and one delivered according to his providence. This response is the granting of something in kind or equal value. Though we may petition God for temporary things, such as mercy and deliverance, God may grant the spiritual equivalent or greater;

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. – 2 Cor 12:8-9 NLT

Why God Delays

We sometimes pray with a sense of urgency that is far greater than God knows it really is. And we can’t help but wonder why he delays. There are several reasons, as Manton points out.

To encourage our faith: God may delay answering prayers to build up our faith in him. For instance, the woman in Canaan, after experiencing God’s excruciating silence, Gid delivers a word far more discouraging than the silence. Yet, she turns it into encouragement (Matthew 15:21-28).

To exercise our patience: In Hebrews 6:12, we are reminded of the value of patience. Just as the famous ketchup slogan says, “Good things come to those who wait.” We must wait for meat to roast, otherwise we risk illness. Similarly, we must wait for fruit to ripen, otherwise it’s bitter. The right conditions are necessary. God knows those conditions far better than we ever might.

Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance. – Hebrews 6:12 NLT

To try our love: I am particularly fond of the quote from Manton’s sermon that says; “A child of God is a strange creature; he can love God or his judgments, and fear him for his mercies… we love his benefits more than we love God, when we delight in him only when he doth us good.” Strong faith and patience in times of God’s delays are exhibition of our love for him. Not merely the rewards and “fire insurance” he grants.

Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name. – Isaiah 26:8.

To enlarge our desires: Just as a sack, once stretched, becomes capable of holding more, God stretches us so he may fill us with even more of his mercy.

But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. -Luke 11:8.

The Reasons God Seems to Deny

Finally, there are times when we feel that God doesn’t hear – though he does. And there are times when God delays, and we must seek to understand why. Then there are those times in which it may seem that God outright denies our prayers.

Dang those are hard times!

But consider that we are most often praying for what we think is the why, but we’re usually trying to inform God of how. The most obvious and significant example of this is the Apostle Paul and his famous “thorn.”

Paul, in seeking a remedy to this thorn, asked for it to be removed. That is how he wanted God to answer. But the reason (why) he asked was so he could experience God’s grace and better serve. Yet, God denied it.

What reason might God have to deny Paul’s request to have the thorn removed? After all, it was born of a desire to better serve God.

It was later that Paul came to an understanding that he had sufficient grace and the thorn’s purpose was to prevent the bigger sins of pride and vanity

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

Answers are Found in Prayer

In some concluding thoughts on prayer, Manton examines our seemingly unanswered prayers. Even if God does not grant blessings that we seek, we still gain simply by asking. That’s because God wants to reveal things that may not be on our radars. And prayer is a means for conditioning us to get it there.

Knowing this, the context of our prayers is important. Pay attention to your prayers – where they aim and where they land

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. – Psalm 5:3 NLT

I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. -Psalm 85:8 NLT

And it’s also important that we recognize and respond when God answers. That’s because ignoring his answer also ignores and diminishes his glory, allows our Athiest hearts to usurp our trust and confidence in God, and it makes us less secure in our love of God.

Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” – Psalm 50:15 NLT