One morning last week I was troubled about a situation. I immediately thought of calling someone to talk it out and get advice. Actually three different people came to mind. But as I was walking and thinking it dawned on me that I had not prayed and asked the Lord what to do.
Prayer seems to be a theme for me right now. I’m reading the autobiography of George Muller (more below), we are in the midst of a prayer series at church, and I recently began praying weekly with a few others from church for its needs.
That being said you’d think that prayer would be the first think to occur to me when faced with a problem. Afraid not! I think it’s because we are so independent and want to do things ourselves. Besides, God is busy so why should we bother Him with those small details.
I mentioned George Muller above. For those who don’t know who he is, he was a Prussian-born English evangelist and philanthropist. A man of faith and prayer, he established orphanages in Bristol and founded the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad. His basic philosophy was to depend on God for his every need. He never asked for money but prayed and trusted God. This was so that He could give God all of the glory. Just to give you an idea of his focus, here are two journal entries from his autobiography:
· June 25. These last three days I have had very little real communion with God, and have therefore been irritable and weak spiritually.
· June 26. I rose early this morning and spent nearly two hours in prayer before breakfast. I now feel more comfortable.
It dawned on me when I read this that some of my irritability and unrest is caused because of my lack of time with the Lord. It is so much easier to blame lack of sleep, physical changes, or someone else isn’t it?
After all, we are busy people. How can we spend the time with God that is necessary for our growth in Him?
I am going to suggest that if we prioritize our time correctly and put God first, all of those requirements of life will fall much more quickly into place. And just imagine the peace that would come from being in God’s will (“comfortable”) because you’ve asked Him rather than spinning around out of control. I’ve experienced it many times. He will stretch your time.
I don’t know about you but I would choose peace over irritability any day. How about you?
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV (emphasis mine)
Have a great day!