I missed my appointment with my journal yesterday. Something was nagging me to write and so I sat with my journal last night. My usual rhythm is an early morning prayer and Scripture reading, followed by journaling, which I then convert into a digital format. It is a nice finish to what I call my “hour of prayer.” Last night felt slightly different as I penned my thoughts. The day’s events seemed to cloud my otherwise easy stream of consciousness. But in the end the pen did have something nice to say.
“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”
-Matthew 6: 7-8
Most of us are struggling with something and wishing God would answer our prayers quickly. But the fact is that He already knows what we need and He always answers. The answer may not always be yes, but it is an answer nonetheless. Jesus’ instructions recorded by Mark in this regard are reassuring.
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
Mark 11:24
Back in the day when I journaled simply because it was fun to write, I wrote about anything and everything. One of my ancient entries was a desire list, a vision of what I would like to see happen in my life. This was from before Jesus knocked on my door. I had forgotten all about it. A few years ago we had to move, and while organizing the library I chanced upon that journal and flipped to that entry. Imagine my surprise. I had forgotten all about it but God had not. My vision was a reality. I was living it. I am a living and answered prayer.
“It shall come to pass
-Isaiah 65:24
That before they call, I will answer;
And while they are still speaking, I will hear.”
If this is true for me, an insignificant sinner, it is true for you too. God loves you and has your every need in mind. Do not lose heart. He is going to swoop you out of whatever you need saving from, hold you in His strong and Almighty arms, and set you safely on solid ground.
“The Lord is my shepherd;
-Psalm 23:1-3
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.”
God Bless You!
Dear God,
Thank You for loving me and taking care of my every need. Your loving kindness and tender mercies have carried me through good times and bad. Please grant me the grace to show my gratitude through my actions, words, and thoughts. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.