My little girl makes a variety of sounds. Some of them are amusing, some are odd, and some are adorable. For example, she always emits a long series of grunts and groans just prior to unloading a massive payload into her diaper. As she's falling asleep, she'll contentedly whimper for a while before drifting into deep sleep. There's one noise however, that pulls on my heartstrings like no other: her cry. I hate to hear my baby crying. When she's in her crib and I hear her sobbing her little heart out, I want to run into her room, pick her up, and tell her that everything is going to be okay. I want to hold her, soothe her, do whatever it takes to make her happy. When she's crying I feel compassion for her, and want to make sure that she's not cold, or hungry, or in pain. My ear is attentive to her cry.

My compassion for my daughter is just the faintest glimpse of God's compassion towards us. When we cry to Him, He hears us and is filled with compassion towards us. Psalm 34:17 says, "When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles."

What a sweet promise this is! When we cry for help, God doesn't turn a deaf ear. No, he hears us and he delivers us. God's ear is attentive to our cry, and when we cry out to Him, He runs to our rescue. He longs to comfort us, encourage us, and refresh us with His spirit. He longs to be gracious towards us and to show us compassion.

Isaiah 40:11 says, "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." Just as a shepherd cares for the sheep of His flock, so God cares for us. He hears our cry for help, and He responds by pouring out grace, mercy, and strength. We serve a God of great compassion who is listening for our cry.

Do you need grace from God today to raise young children? Cry out to our God who hears. Do you need grace to love your spouse? Call out to our compassionate God. Do you need strength to endure suffering? God is waiting to hear your cry, and waiting to show you His compassion.