Lots of prayer this morning. So many loved ones and situations to talk with the Lord about. I am so thankful that He always has a listening ear.
“ Always be full of joy. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 ERV
There is such a connection between prayer and joy.
Prayer is expressing our need; joy is an expression of God’s provision and faithfulness. Thankfulness is trusting God for the right answer.
Seasons change and so do situations, but God never changes. He is always faithful, always good, always loving, always just, always gracious and merciful. Always true to His word.
“ My brothers and sisters, you will have many kinds of trouble. But this gives you a reason to be very happy. 3 You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering. 4 If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be.
5 Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom. 6 But when you ask God, you must believe. Don’t doubt him. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is blown up and down by the wind. ” James 1:2-6 ERV
When we come to the Lord with heavy hearts He promises to give us rest. We lay our burdens down and He takes them up. He carries them and He works all things out for our good.
“Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 ERV
I know I’ve used this example before, but this verse reminds me of a little child coming to their parent with a broken toy. “Fix it daddy, fix it”, they say. When the Father reaches to take it, they cry. “No, let me hold it”. To which our Father gently replies “You must give it to me if I’m to fix it. Let go. I’ll handle it from here.”
The hard part is in letting go but we can trust our Father, He only wants what is for our good.
I’m going to close this morning and go back to my time of prayer. A time to “be still and know that I am God”.
“Thank you for Father for perfecting those things that concern me. Thank you for working all things out for my good. Thank you for listening, loving and leading me. In Jesus name, I proclaim, Amen!”