What is the meaning of Psalm 116:2? Because He has inclined His ear to me • The psalmist begins with a fact: “He has inclined His ear to me” (Psalm 116:2). The image is of the Lord bending down, attentively listening to every plea. • Scripture consistently portrays God as personally attentive. “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry” (Psalm 34:15). Peter echoes this in 1 Peter 3:12, confirming the same promise for believers today. • This is not a one-time courtesy; it is God’s settled posture toward His people. Psalm 40:1 testifies, “I waited patiently for the LORD, and He inclined to me and heard my cry.” • Knowing that the sovereign Creator stoops to hear us brings unshakable assurance. 2 Chronicles 7:15 adds, “Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place,” underscoring that God’s ear is purposefully, deliberately turned toward those who seek Him. I will call on Him • Because the Lord listens, the psalmist’s natural response is, “I will call on Him.” Confidence in God’s willingness to hear inspires consistent prayer. • Jeremiah 33:3 records God’s invitation: “Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things you do not know.” The relationship is interactive—God hears, we speak, and He responds. • Psalm 50:15 pairs prayer with deliverance: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” The rhythm is clear—need drives us to prayer, God’s answer leads to praise. • This calling is not reserved for emergencies. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 urges, “Pray without ceasing,” making calling on God the continual heartbeat of the believer. as long as I live • The commitment is lifelong. The psalmist vows enduring devotion: “as long as I live.” This phrase transforms prayer from an occasional act into a lifelong pattern. • Psalm 63:4 captures the same resolve: “I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands.” • Daily dependence is emphasized in Psalm 145:2: “Every day I will bless You and praise Your name forever and ever.” • Even in old age, the calling continues. Psalm 71:18 declares, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation.” • Revelation 5:13 pictures eternal praise, showing that a lifetime of calling on God here prepares us for endless worship there. summary Psalm 116:2 unfolds a simple yet profound chain: God leans in to listen; therefore, we resolve to call on Him—not sporadically, but for the whole span of our lives. His attentive ear fuels our continual prayer, and our lifelong calling testifies to His unfailing faithfulness. |