Oh, I want so much to just write down the whole devotional I read today! How do I begin to write what Jesus has taught me?
I know I am to trust in Him and to give up control to Him. My control is just an illusion, yet something I cling to because it’s what I think I know. I know that I am to bring my prayer requests to Him and lay them at His feet. This is something I do.
But, what about this?…
Do I thank Him in advance for the answers yet to come? Do I continue to thank Him for the answers on the way? Does my heart rest in the knowledge that Jesus is taking care of my concerns?
A part of todays devotional reads, "If you keep stating your concerns to Me, you will live in a state of tension. When you thank Me for how I am answering your prayers, your mindset becomes more positive."
How often do I reiterate my concerns, almost as if He did not hear it the first time or forgot it? I need to offer up my prayer request and then thank Him along the way until He answers. He promises He will answer and my past experiences confirm that. Jesus is faithful in answering prayers. It may not be according to our timeline or how we think the outcome should be, but our prayers are answered.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God…"
Colossians 4:2 "Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
2 Peter 1:3-4 "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
Leigh, this particular devotional yesterday was a huge reminder and revelation to me all at the same time. I so often present my requests, cares and concerns to Him over and over again as though He needs reminding. My attitude when doing this is usually somewhat hopeless and shows my disbelief that He is actually already at work in my circumstance even when I cannot see it or understand His timing. Praying and then prayerfully waiting with a thankful posture and heart is something I will be working on as well.
This book has been awesome for me as well. I love it and wish everyone had a copy. It's really amazing and speaks to the very heart of seeking Him first and remaining in His faithful and loving presence.
Love you sister!
Megan