Do you ever feel as if God does not hear you? That your prayers go up to the ceiling and then fall flat?

Today’s verse shows us one way to hear God’s answers to our prayers.

God calls us to take away the “yoke” from among us. Sometimes we place heavy burdens on people just to weigh them down.

For example, we can imply that a person’s work is subpar or their word is untrustworthy. We might wag our finger in judgment, or gossip, or complain about a person’s faults behind their back.

That spirit of criticism is from our spiritual enemy, not God.

How can God give us clear answers to prayer and guide our paths when we invite His enemy with our actions?

God calls us to sympathize with the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul. Instead of criticizing someone who is confused, we should help them understand. Instead of gossiping about a person’s misfortune, we should show empathy and encourage them.

When we show love to others, we are inviting God’s Spirit to be with us. Then when we call on God, He will answer. When we cry out to Him, He will say, “Here am I.”