Read This: Psalm 116:1-2
I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.
Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!
Think about it:
Some days I wonder if God even listens to my prayers, and then there are days when it's so obvious he listened. He especially likes to answer my prayers in creative ways, ways that will test me and help me grow in my faith. Like today for instance, he answered a prayer I had last night. I prayed, "Lord, please help me to really love others, no matter what! Help me to embrace their quirks and annoyances, their abrasive remarks and rudeness. Help me to have BIG grace when there's so LITTLE everywhere I go!" Sooooo...today, my husband and I were eating at a Japanese steakhouse, and we were seated at a table with several interesting people. LOUD, PICKY, COMPLAINING PEOPLE. At first I was outraged....my lunch is supposed to be RELAXING! And then it clicked! "Jessica, you said you wanted to love others...so here's your chance!" "Thanks, God," I said under my breath with a smile...and then chuckled and looked at my husband. I said, "I prayed a prayer last night, and..." He looked around at the table and said, "Don't worry, I think I have an idea what you prayed about." We both laughed and then tried our best to make the most of the LOUD, PICKY, COMPLAINING lunch. The next hour I tried conversing a little bit with a very quirky lady to my left, and while it was somewhat difficult, hah!, I did it better than I usually would, all because God was at my side, helping me along in my request to love others. Makes me think about a time when I worked at a camp, and one of the cabin leaders prayed for patience. Well, the next week, Patience Smith arrived! All 5 feet of her! And boy did she test your patience! Anyway, I want to encourage you that God LISTENS! He listens to everything, and answers in his own way and in his own time...why? Because only He knows what's best for us! If you're like me, and you're praying about some weightier issues...keep praying! He hears YOUR voice! Never give up hope! Pray as long as you have breath! :)
Pray about it:
Got something weighing on your heart? Take it to the God who bends down and listens.
Live it:
Don't just pray when things are BAD...pray when things are GOOD! Thank Him for all he has done, and all he will do!
I hope you had a Marvelous Monday!
Sincerely,
Jessica :)
