Call Upon Me, and I Will Hear You
Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 29:12 (KJV)
“Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.”
Introduction
One of the greatest assurances we have as believers is that God hears us when we call upon Him. The book of Jeremiah was written at a time when the Israelites were in exile, far from their homeland and feeling forsaken by God. Yet, even in their disobedience and suffering, God gave them a promise—if they would call upon Him and pray, He would hear them.
This verse speaks of God’s faithfulness and readiness to listen to those who seek Him sincerely. Today, we will explore this verse in depth and relate it to other Scriptures that reinforce this powerful truth: God is near to all who call on Him.
1. The Power of Calling Upon God
The phrase “call upon Me” is an invitation from God to enter into communion with Him. It is not a mere request but a promise that when we earnestly seek Him, He will listen.
Related Scriptures:
- Psalm 50:15 – “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”
- Romans 10:13 – “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Both of these verses reaffirm that calling upon God is not in vain. He is attentive to the cries of His children, whether in distress, repentance, or worship.
Application:
We often turn to God only when we are in trouble. However, calling upon God should be a daily practice. He desires a relationship with us, not just emergency prayers in difficult times.
2. The Necessity of Prayer
Jeremiah 29:12 emphasizes prayer as a key component of calling upon God. God expects us to pray and pour out our hearts before Him.
Related Scriptures:
- Philippians 4:6 – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”
Prayer is not just a religious duty but a privilege. It is the channel through which we communicate with God.
Application:
Are we committed to a life of prayer? Do we make time to seek God daily, or do we let the distractions of life take priority? Developing a consistent prayer life strengthens our relationship with God and builds our faith.
3. God’s Assurance: He Will Hear Us
God does not only invite us to call upon Him; He assures us that He will hearken (listen) to our prayers. He is not like people who may ignore or neglect us.
Related Scriptures:
- Isaiah 65:24 – “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”
- 1 John 5:14 – “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.”
These verses show that God is always attentive to His children. He knows our needs even before we express them, and He is ready to respond.
Application:
When we pray, we must do so with faith, believing that God hears us. Many believers struggle with doubt, wondering if God is really listening. But His word assures us that He hears and responds according to His will.
4. Seeking God Wholeheartedly
In the next verse, Jeremiah 29:13, God says, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” This emphasizes the need for sincerity in our pursuit of God.
Related Scriptures:
- Matthew 7:7-8 – “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
- James 4:8 – “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”
God does not want half-hearted devotion. He desires that we seek Him with all our heart, mind, and soul.
Application:
Are we truly seeking God with our whole hearts, or do we come to Him out of obligation? Let us examine our hearts and ensure that our pursuit of Him is genuine and passionate.
5. The Example of Daniel’s Persistent Prayer
A powerful biblical example of someone who called upon God and was heard is Daniel. Despite being in exile like the Israelites of Jeremiah’s time, Daniel remained faithful in prayer.
Related Scriptures:
- Daniel 6:10 – “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”
- Daniel 9:3 – “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.”
Daniel’s consistency in prayer, even in the face of persecution, led to divine intervention and breakthroughs.
Application:
Are we persistent in prayer, even when answers seem delayed? Do we maintain our faithfulness in seeking God, even in adversity?
Conclusion: God is Ready to Hear You
Jeremiah 29:12 is a verse of assurance, hope, and divine invitation. It reminds us that God is never far from us. He is always near, waiting for us to call upon Him.
Key Takeaways:
- Call Upon God – He is ready to listen and respond.
- Be Consistent in Prayer – Develop a daily habit of seeking Him.
- Have Confidence in His Listening Ear – Do not doubt that He hears you.
- Seek Him with All Your Heart – Approach Him with sincerity and passion.
- Be Persistent Like Daniel – Do not be discouraged by delays.
Final Encouragement:
Let us be a people of prayer, knowing that God hears us. No matter what situation we face—whether in joy or sorrow, in abundance or in lack—let us confidently call upon our Heavenly Father. He has promised to hear us, and He will never fail.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promise in Jeremiah 29:12 that You hear us when we call upon You. Help us to seek You with all our hearts and trust in Your faithfulness. Strengthen our prayer lives and draw us closer to You daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May God bless you as you continue to seek Him in prayer!
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