I have a book called Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado which has been a great source of inspiration and comfort for me. I read an entry called “God Listens”. Simple thought, huh? But how much do you really believe that? I must admit I struggle when talking to God about myself. In essence, I struggle with doubting God really cares about my situation, or will do anything about it. I fear He won’t change my situation. I fear I won’t be able to take it much longer. So, back to prayer. Recently, Pastor Jay had us read through Psalm 1 and give our prayer requests based upon what the passage says. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so; but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous; but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” Pastor Jay challenged us to not just pray to give a laundry list to God, but to take this passage, chew it over and look at our requests through the lens of Psalm 1. There are health needs, yes, we desire healing for them, supply for financial needs, but what is more important? That our delight be in the law of the Lord! That we don’t look for counsel from the ungodly or scornful, but to focus on God and His promise of provision for us. We need to give over our desires, pains, problems, needs to Him and meditate on His law day and night. This will bring peace to our lives. This is an avenue to the peace that passes all understanding which comes only from Almighty God.
Prayer is not about, or should not be about, getting our way. Prayer is to conform us to the mind of God. It is to conform us to His will!! So, let me ask the question again, “Do you believe God listens?” I have heard this before in my Christian walk, pray the Scriptures back to God during your quiet time. It can be an uncomfortable thing if you are not used to it, but it is an important part of a devotional walk with the Lord. He wants to hear from us. He wants us to talk to Him. He wants a relationship with you. Wait, let me rephrase that. He wants a living, breathing, thriving, growing, deepening relationship with you. He died for you for it!
I am not trying to be preachy to you, but I am trying to be real, to be honest. I know many Christians struggle in this area and I believe sharing our experiences will help us make real progress. I am speaking first and foremost to myself. I have had plenty of seasons where God seemed silent and distant. I had to take a long hard look at myself during those times. Why did He seem so far away.? God never moves does He? No. He says in His infallible Word that He will never leave us nor forsake us. It was me. I had moved. I had gravitated away from Him. One of the best ways I have found to correct this situation is to confess my sin to Him and begin to pray His Word back to Him. He knows your need already. He has already walked down the path you are walking right now. He knows what is in store. But just like if you are married, have a sweetheart or best friend you love to spend time with, they want you to talk to them. You want them to communicate back to you. It is the same with God. He loves you more than you will ever know! Don’t lose heart. Don’t worry about being formal in your speech. Respectful and reverent for Who God is, yes!! That is key. What I mean is, don’t worry about having thee’s and thou’s and having everything just right. Just talk to Him. Be real. Just pour out your heart to Him. He already knows. He just wants you to trust Him and continue to deepen your relationship.
I will have another entry along these lines later. It will be based upon the Max Lucado book I mentioned earlier. But for now, have a wonderful week. Communicate with your Savior. Listen for His still small voice, and above all, know He loves you and holds your circumstances as very important to Himself.
Marissa
