This past week we have observed many natural disasters like
hurricanes, fires, an earthquake, threats of a tsunami and more
hurricanes.
Our family also
has two kids away at college making their own choices and one was in the path
of hurricane Irma. Thankfully it slowed down before it got to her location.
At times like
this we pray more. And this got me thinking about how there is a difference of
praying 'at God' and praying 'to God'. There is also a difference of praying
'in the flesh' and 'in the Spirit'.
Sometimes when
we pray, we are so caught up in the circumstances that our faith and trust in
God is shaken. We feel that we just need to get God on our team and to do what
we see as best. We think from our own perspective and reason with God for our
will to be done.
I've found
myself doing this recently and can tell that these prayers leave me feeling
unsatisfied in my spirit.
Other times I have sought to find a QUIET place and seek God in the stillness. I have surrendered to HIS will and sovereignty. I lean towards trusting with faith that HE is working all things together for our good. I come with a heart of praise, humbleness and can pray with hope and without knowing the answer. This is when God can give me peace and I let go of my will. This is when I can hear new thoughts, eternal and Christ-centered ways in my heart. I am more satisfied because I know my Savior has a plan and it is rooted in His love for us. Then I am no longer praying with my expectations and I can be more content with my life in Christ.
Other times I have sought to find a QUIET place and seek God in the stillness. I have surrendered to HIS will and sovereignty. I lean towards trusting with faith that HE is working all things together for our good. I come with a heart of praise, humbleness and can pray with hope and without knowing the answer. This is when God can give me peace and I let go of my will. This is when I can hear new thoughts, eternal and Christ-centered ways in my heart. I am more satisfied because I know my Savior has a plan and it is rooted in His love for us. Then I am no longer praying with my expectations and I can be more content with my life in Christ.
Thankfully, the
Holy Spirit is able to take our prayers, shake off our humanness and tell God
the heart of the matter which we may not even understand ourselves. He is also
able to guide us to the PEACE we can have when we decide to BE STILL and
surrender to HIM. Thankfully He is faithful.
"No,
despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved
us." Romans 8:37
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." Romans 8: 26
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