It’s not that our Father in heaven doesn’t want us to pray, but consider the things we pray about: a vehicle or home purchase, good weather for vacation and job prospects.
I don’t think that we’re wrong in praying for those things. But often times, I think we lose sight of the truly important things we should be praying for and also reflecting on what God has already blessed us with.
If you are buying a new home or vehicle, have you thanked Jesus for the financial means to even be considering such a purchase? If you are going on vacation, have you thanked Jesus for having a job that provides paid vacation? If you are looking for a job, have you thanked Jesus for providing you the skills and ability to even work?
Our family went through a personal attack this year, which led to job loss and financial struggles. One option was to pursue work else where, meaning the possibility of moving away was put on the table. But God spoke clearly to me in April that we were staying in Huntington and He even spoke to my heart that my wife was going to work for the county school system.
In the midst of that good news, the Lord also said we were going to have to trust Him through a time of uncertainty. You see, getting into the school system requires being a substitute first. That means you don’t know when you are going to work.
Fast forward to early August, and I could feel the pressure of what we were about to encounter weighing on me. I asked myself if a meager but steady paycheck from her working at a local day care center was better than taking a chance with the school system.
I realized what I was really asking was if that small and steady paycheck was better than trusting God.
I started praying about the situation, but I stopped mid-prayer. The Holy Spirit was moving me to pray about something completely different. I asked God to take away my fear.
Last week, on a drive to Cincinnati, I was driving through a rural area and could only get a few stations. One station I picked up was a sermon. I didn’t hear it all, but what I did hear was very powerful.
In Matthew 6, Jesus says not to worry about what you will eat or what you will wear. And the pastor delivering the message said we have to consider who Jesus was saying this to. These were folks whose primary concern each day was what they would eat and what they would wear.
Would the harvest be enough to last through the winter? Would they have enough wool to make clothing? Would they sell enough crops to be able to afford linen to make clothing?
They didn’t have the dollar menu, and there was no outlet store to get cheap clothing. But Jesus tells them not to worry.
It’s not bad to pray about cars and houses; we should be asking for the Lord’s discernment in all matters. But be sure to thank God for the blessings He has given you. Keep in mind the basic necessities He provides us each and every day.
And when you pray, consider if you'd be better served asking Him to take away your fear?
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