4 minute read
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2 NIV)
God always helps.
The part no one tells you, He doesn’t help the way you think He will. In fifty-one years on this earth, not once has God done what I told Him to do. He has and is answering every prayer I have ever prayed, but His ways aren’t mine. One of the hardest things to accept as a Christ-follower, you’re not in control. Prayer is not your opportunity to command God to bid your will. No, prayer is a conversation with God where you release your heart to Him. As you unburden the emotions of your soul to Him, you’re making room for God to fill it.
My favorite part of the week is my Zoom prayer meeting. A group of us from my church gather faithfully to learn more about talking to God. One of our members is struggling with anger about life, like many of us do. Her struggle with her feelings prevented her from sleeping. Wanting sleep, she started to make room for God in her overwhelming emotions. She told him she wasn’t ready to release all of her anger yet, but let her release enough so she could sleep. And then she slept. Speaking frankly with God is what He wants.
Ask God for help
When our hearts are full of negative emotions, God has no room to move. We have to release the negativity before we can embrace the positive. Clinging to the hurt makes us feel like we have control when we don’t. When we empty our spirit, our emotion, God fills us with His. Grace and mercy begin to flow into us, and through us, the more we let go of what we cannot control. Healing occurs when we start the conversation. The more we release, the more we heal.
In that same prayer meeting, my pastor gave a great analogy of how we’re to look at God. If you have ever had a dog, you’ll understand immediately. Man’s best friend, if they have owners who value them, have a look of unconditional love in their eyes that is hard to compare. They trust willingly and freely, no matter what the situation. Because I’m a dog owner, I immediately thought of the trusting look my dog gives me. My next thought was, I don’t look at God the same way.
Pain causes mistrust of God. Our circumstances make us doubt His love for us. God never promised an easy life, He promises an eternal one.
Whatever you’re struggling with today, look up. Ask God for help releasing the negative. Let Him fill you with His love and mercy.
Question of the Day:
Where is your help coming from today?
Further Reading: Daniel 9-11:1NIV, 1 John 2:18-3:6 NIV, Psalm 121 NIV, Proverbs 28:27-28 NIV
