As Long as I Have Breath

This scripture, Psalm 116:2, is one I really love and often revisit in God’s word. I was contemplating why it just seems to grip my heart every time I read it, and I realised that it has something to do with the picture it creates in my mind.

When someone has to bend down to listen to another person, it would imply that the other
person is smaller in stature, necessitating the listener to bend down. It may also imply that the speaker’s voice may be faint and not loud enough to be heard sufficiently, causing the listener to bend with his ear closer to their mouth. But to me it also speaks of an intimacy between speaker and listener – someone who is caring and loving enough to take the time to stop and pay special attention to what is being said.

It warms my heart to think that God, the Creator of the universe, would bend down to hear my faint and faltering prayers. The psalmist says that He bends down to listen. He is interested in what I want to tell Him and ask Him.

I read a sweet and somewhat humorous essay written by a seven-year-old girl about, “What is a granny?” This little girl said something in her essay which caught my attention. She said that grannies never say, “Hurry up!” and that they are the only grown-ups who have time. It is sad that our lives have become so time-driven and busy. There are so many demands that are placed on people to perform and to produce the results required by society, and time has become a scarce commodity.

People no longer have time to really listen amidst the busyness of life. However, Psalm 116:2 tells me that God bends down to listen. He never tells me to hurry up, and He always has time for me. He knows I am not always strong, and that my voice is faint some days. Psalm 103:14 (AMPC) says, ‘For He knows our frame, He [earnestly] remembers and imprints [on His heart] that we are dust.” He hears my cries, and is patient with my weaknesses’.

1 Peter 5:7 (AMPC) extends this beautiful invitation to us: ‘Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.’ Wow! This God who stops to bend down and listen when I speak to Him, cares for me affectionately and cares about me watchfully. I cannot but echo the words of the psalmist: “I love the Lord because He hears my voice … Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You know me, and that You bend down to listen each time I call to You, even when it’s a mere whisper. Thank You that You are gracious and compassionate and that You care for me affectionately. I love You, Lord. Amen.