As I started to read Psalm 102, the second verse seized my attention:

“Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.”

That is the cry of my heart.

I am in trouble.

I am so grateful for the assurance that if I call on Him in time, He will answer in time.

Alas, I seem to rarely call in time.

I’m also struck again with the realization that God doesn’t wish to be a 911 service. To put it another way, the cry of his heart may well be: “Don’t hide your face from me when you are not in trouble!”

I must perfect inclining my ear to Him.

I must do better at calling Him at all times.

What all does this verse include?

“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me” (Psalm 101:3).

When I read verses like that one, my mind right away goes to books and music. (That’s not all that’s involved here, I’m sure.)

So much CCR (contemporary Christian reading) appeals to the flesh. That must be what sells. Will I consume it for the trace minerals it might add to my diet?

Ditto CCM (contemporary Christian music).

But I enjoy CCR and CCM!

Even so, it still shouldn’t cleave (that is, stick) to me.

No matter how much something appeals to me and not matter how much I enjoy something, God’s approval should matter more to me.

I truly need His help in living by that standard!