Word of Encouragement (2/9/2021)

We are talking about why we need to pray. Yesterday, we spoke of our need to carry our burdens to God. Today, I want to speak of our need for a right, God-centered perspective.

I don’t know about you but, when I wake up in the morning, I find myself already feeling rushed and even anxious. My heart is heavy with the list of all the things that need to get done, some of which are tedious, demanding, and even so unpleasant that I really want to avoid them or put them off till later. Often, there are difficult, unresolved situations to deal with, which invite many fears of what might happen if I make a mistake or things don’t go just right. (I hope you don’t check the news before you pray because that will add to a whole new set of concerns, frustrations, fears, and even anger!)

So, as I look ahead, I already feel like I don’t have enough time to get things done. This is precisely why I need to pray: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Ps. 46:10)! Before I launch into another day, I need to be still in the presence of God and remember that He is God and He is working out His purpose to glorify His name in all things.

I need to remember that my life is not about me, but about God; not about my agenda but God’s agenda for me; not about my reputation but about God’s honor; not about what and how many things I get done but what kind of person I am while I’m getting things done.

I need to remember that I’m not working for God’s approval and love; I’m working out of God’s love and approval, which I already have in Jesus Christ.

I need to remember that God is God, the sovereign Lord of heaven and earth, and therefore nothing that is happening in my life (and in the world) is by chance of accident; even though my life seems chaotic, God is not out of control (and my life seems chaotic only because my vision is myopic).

I need to remember that God is God and He never fails to achieve His purpose: not only does He use my faithful and willing service but also my mistakes and failures to achieve His good purposes, though mysterious at times.

I need to remember that, if I have already come “through many dangers, toils and snares,” it was not because of my faithfulness and right choices but because of God’s amazing grace.

And I need to remember that, because “’Twas grace has brought me safe thus far / And grace will lead me home.” No matter what kind of ups and downs we go through in life, no matter what trials and tribulations we bear in this world, there will come a day when Christ will welcome us to our home and wipe away every tear from our eyes, clothe us with glory and beauty, seat us at the table of the wedding feast of the Lamb and the Church, and fill our hearts with unspeakable and everlasting joy.

Think about the difference between starting our day by being still in the presence of God, remember God as God, and launching into our busy schedule without it! As Mother Teresa said, “If you are too busy to pray, you are too busy [for your own good, and certainly for God’s glory].” May the Lord convict your heart of your desperate need (and your great privilege and blessing) to start your day with prayer!

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