Always Open (Friday Devotional)

 

I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 

- Psalm 121:1-4

It happened for the first time on December 26, with presents all unwrapped and the kids looking for something to do. It happened again the following Monday, when I left the church office thinking I could find a change of scenery. And then it happened for a third and final time on New Year’s Day, when I really should have known better.

Every time, the same story—I drove up to the public library and found its parking lot empty and its doors locked. Closed.

That’s a common occurrence this time of year, when businesses, schools, and organizations give their employees extra time with family before getting back in the swing of things after New Year’s. And even on a normal week, most places have at least one day where their doors are not open. Nevertheless, it’s always a frustrating feeling when you drive somewhere and find out they’re closed for business.

So what a joyous relief to be reminded that there is never a time—not on Saturdays, not on holidays, not in the middle of the night—when God is unavailable to hear our prayers. He never takes a day off, he’s never too busy or too preoccupied to listen, and he never pushes us away.

Whether you come to the Lord with thanksgiving or sorrow, reverence or requests, hallelujahs or cries for help, God is always listening. So don’t be shy about lifting your eyes to heaven, and don’t withhold your prayers—because heaven is always open for business.