Psalm 66:16-20

“Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me.” vs. 20

While the psalmist did believe that God had answered his prayer, he also believed that God would not have listened to his prayer if he had iniquity in his heart. We can understand his reasoning because those same assumptions are often operative among us. It makes sense from a human point of view that God would pay no attention to the prayers of an unrighteous person. We have a strong sense that if people do not deserve assistance or help, they should be denied what they have asked for. In other words, “God helps those who help themselves.” The unworthy should not presume on our generosity.

But is that how God really operates? Is God’s love and mercy conditional? If that were true we could kiss the good news of the gospel good-bye. The relationship that we have with God is not transactional. In fact Jesus tells us that the love of God is showered on the righteous and sinners alike, without distinction. Paul put it this way in Romans,”God shows his love in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”

Many people have their prayers answered, and by no stretch of the imagination are all of them worthy. Instead, all people are the recipients of God’s steadfast love. Contrary to what the psalmist says, God’s goodness was showered on him, not because he was righteous, but because he was loved.

Thought for the Day: How has God answered my prayers?