God, My God

Prayer is a weapon, a tool, a life line. I know that I often want instantaneous results when I pray. Sometimes prayer may seem ineffective and like a mere charade. But God’s word tells us time and time again that He hears ours prayers and is at work even when we can’t see it. He is at work preparing the “good” things that were promised to us. “If you, bad as you are, know how to give your children what is good for them, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him?" -Matthew 7:11

“Are you as often tempted as I am to doubt the effectiveness of prayer? But Jesus prayed. He told us to pray. We can be sure that the answer will come, and it will be good. If it is not exactly what we expected, chances are we were not asking for quite the right thing. Our heavenly Father hears the prayer, but wants to give us bread rather than stones.” – Elisabeth Elliot

I know that I sometimes feel guilty for continually going to God for needs and wants, but God has been so kind to remind me through His word and gentle prompting that He desires us to come to Him. I read once that it is stranger how little use we make of spiritual blessings, but it is stranger still how little use we make of God himself. We apply ourselves little to him and we ask little of him.

Spurgeon says, “How seldom do we ask counsel at the hands of the Lord! How often do we go about our business, without seeking his guidance! In our troubles how constantly do we strive to bear our burdens ourselves, instead of casting them upon the Lord, that he may sustain us! This is not because we may not, for the Lord seems to say, I am thine, soul, come and make use of me as thou wilt; thou mayst freely come to my store, and the oftener the more welcome. It is our own fault if we make not free with the riches of our God. Then, since thou hast such a friend, and he invites thee, draw from him daily. Never want whilst thou hast a God to go to; never fear or faint whilst thou hast God to help thee; go to thy treasure and take whatever thou needest--there is all that thou canst want. Learn the divine skill of making God all things to thee. He can supply thee with all, or, better still, he can be to thee instead of all. Let me urge thee, then, to make use of thy God. Make use of him in prayer. Go to him often, because he is thy God. O, wilt thou fail to use so great a privilege? Fly to him, tell him all thy wants. Use him constantly by faith at all times. If some dark providence has beclouded thee, use thy God as a sun; if some strong enemy has beset thee, find in Jehovah a shield, for he is a sun and shield to his people. If thou hast lost thy way in the mazes of life, use him as a guide, for he will direct thee.”

I have been sustained and upheld many times recently by taking hold of the gift of prayer. To be able to go to our caring Father and pour your heart out and receive the strength that He offers is such a sweet blessing. I know that I don’t always pray perfectly and that my motives are often mixed, but we serve an understanding and merciful God who does not treat us as our sins deserve and lavishes us with His steadfast love. So, whatever cares may be burdening your heart, cast them on your Heavenly Father. He loves to be our friend, help and support. He is able when we are not.

“Whatever you are, and wherever you are, remember God is just what you want, and just where you want, and that he can do all you want.”