MAYBE PRAYING WILL HELP
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2, ESV
Theme: There is only one source of help for grief, anxiety, and loss. It is the Creator God.
SELF-SUFFICIENT
Can you guess my secret sin? Well, it boils down to pride, but it exhibits itself as self-sufficiency. I can figure it out; I can work harder; if you give me a minute, I can do this! That’s a real problem, because all that I am and know, every ability and talent I have, all these are gifts from the Lord. My brains and skills—in fact, the education I was given to develop this brain and my access to books and learning – these were not my doing, but God’s blessing upon my life.
Still, when push comes to shove, I try to handle temptation, trouble, confusion, or a financial setback myself. I have lain in bed strategizing and worrying. I have “borrowed from Peter to pay Paul” as my mom used to say. As a last resort, I prayed.
TURN IT AROUND
On my desk, I have a framed saying. It’s facetious and sarcastic. It’s to remind me of the silliness and futility of trying to do it myself and turning to God last. It says in big bold letters: “Maybe praying will help.” Of course, praying will help! God is my only source... so why does it take me so long to get there?
PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING
In my daily life, I am learning to pray about everything. If I am driving and I’m worried I will be late, I pray to be at peace and that the person at my appointment will be understanding. If it’s my fault that I was late, I ask forgiveness from God, and will also do so of my friend /doctor/ staff member when I arrive. If I have a headache, I pray about it. If I am confused about a decision, I pray about it. If I have a financial need, I tell God and ask His wisdom.
PRACTICE NOW
It’s vital to practice this “turning to God” now, on the small and insignificant things for several reasons. First, it strengthens my faith and trust in God when I pray, He hears, and when He responds. That is vital, because of my second reason: there will come a day with a diagnosis so hard, or a need so big that only God can rescue me. If He chooses not to outright rescue, then there will be grief so great that He will still be the only source of comfort, strength, and peace. I do not want to wait until that disastrous day to try looking to Him. I need to learn to rely on the Lord, Creator of heaven and earth (and me!) to meet and heal every hurt and need.
Make It Personal: Who or what do you trust? Your brain, your doctor, your finances, or your friends? They do not have all the answers you need, nor can they fill the deep hurt in your heart when you are afraid, lonely, or grieving. Only God can heal our souls and bring us peace and even joy again. Make sure you are “in the habit” of looking to Him and not your own resources or understanding, so that in the day of trouble, He will be your customary Source.
Pray: Father, I know in my heart that You are the source of all that is good, holy, and right in this world. Spirit, prompt and remind me to cry out to God first. Thank You, Jesus, for hearing, healing, and interceding as my High Priest. Amen.
Read: Philippians 4:5-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Psalm 121
Weekly Memory Verse: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV