But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer.

Psalm 66:19 NLT

I admit, when I was young, I had a rebellious side within me, and I knew it.

There were two sides within me that fought each other.

The good side knew the right things God wanted me to do, and the rebellious side knew too, but ignored God.

At that time, I prayed, and it seemed that nothing happened.

Years later, I learned this truth…

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me. For I cried out to him for help, praising him as I spoke. If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me (Psalm 66:16-20 NLT).

I discovered… my rebellious side within me held onto sinful behavior and thoughts.

If I wanted to be part of God’s kingdom, I needed to confess and repent.

I had to ask the Lord to remove this rebelliousness within me.

And as the psalmist said, once I confessed my sin in my heart this happened for me too… But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer (Psalm 66:19 NLT).

So now, even though this division within me is not there, I still search my heart and ask for God to reveal anything I may need to confess or repent.

Today, when I cry out to the Lord, He listens and responds to my prayers in His timing.

I know His love for me is there.

Father, in the quiet of my heart, You speak to me… whispering “I love you, child, make sure you approach Me the right way. Repent and confess to Me”. Lord, please help me be aware of any wrong way within me. Help me approach You in the right way. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Stacy A. Davis