Psalm 66:20 Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me
The other day I was reading a book, and I heard my wife in the next room. I was vaguely aware of her speaking. Then, I was vaguely aware that it was in the form of a question, so I just instinctively answered yes. A full minute or two later it occurred to me, “Wait, wait, what was she saying and what did I say?” I said, “Sena, did you just say something to me?” She repeated her question. I had automatically answered without even knowing what the question was. I can’t read a book and regard my wife at the same time. We talk about having high regard for people. Sometimes I have no regard for people and it is not because I don’t love them; it is just because I am absorbed with something else.
Psalm 66:18 says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me,” How can I be focused on something else and expect God to be focused on me? If I don’t regard God, why should God regard what I have to say? That is true, but the forgotten verse is the following verse, “But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.” Then David says, “Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.” God regards me; I need to regard Him. When you talk to someone, you show them regard with your head, your eyes, your shoulders, and by withholding your mouth, just listening. How do you regard God? The answer is that to regard God is to remember God.
First, remember who God is. Psalm 66:3 says, “Say unto God, How terrible [fearsome] art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.” Just to remember who God is to show Him regard. Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands,” verse 1 says. So, when I remember who God is, I am showing regard for God and therefore I unlock God’s ear to my prayer.
Second, to regard God is remember what God has done. Verse 5 says, “Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.” Then an event that is very important throughout the Bible is spoken about. Verses 6-7 say, “God turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him. He ruleth by his power forever.” So, remember what God has done. Verse 12 says, “We went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.” Because of this, when the psalmist was in trouble, he made vows in verse 14.
Third, to regard God is to remember what God will do. Verse 20 says, “Blessed by God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.” God has a wonderful track record, and God hears those who listen to Him.