Unlocking the Secret of Elusive Peace
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
Everyone has a desire for peace. It’s a constant pursuit, the ever-present hunt for that ‘thing’ that will grant our heart and mind true rest and respite from the world. There are whole industries built around the concept. We see people trying all kinds of remedies, meditation, exercise programs, beauty treatments, even a constant stream of ‘new’ and ‘better’ relationships in the hopes that whatever it is will finally bring us the peace we long for. We are always looking for the next thing that promises peace. We drown our pain and sorrow in things that will never satisfy or vices that will only increase the discouragement of what we’re running from. We look to other people to deliver the peace we long for, and when they can’t we’re upset, angry, and we cut ties and move on. We change jobs, change locations, change our style and pursue more material belongings, hoping that something new will finally bring the peace we crave. We long for peace, but we struggle to find it. The truth? We’re looking in all the wrong places. Peace doesn’t come packaged in the way the world wants us to believe it does.
We pursue politics, health, finances, employment, and relationships as if fixing them and improving them will bring peace to our lives. The “if only” syndrome is strong…and deceptive. The storms of life rage around us all the time. And even if we could improve these things, they will neither satisfy us nor will they bend to our needs or be considerate of our desire for peace and calm. Yet we keep running after them as if we can make them right, find the balance, uncover the mystery and finally enjoy peace. But peace is not something we can gain through external means. Too few of us understand that or are willing to admit it.
And the concern is that our sons and daughters are striving to find peace as the world defines it. They’ve bought into the lie, “do this, get that, go there and you’ll know deep peace”. Do they have restlessness that can’t be soothed? Are they struggling with dissatisfaction that is never satisfied? Do they carry a need that is always aching? They’re failing to find peace because they’re looking in all the wrong places.
Oh friends, there IS peace, but it’s not found in any of the promises of this world.
“The absence of peace is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the consequences of sin, disobedience, and the fallen nature of humanity. This condition is often depicted as a state of turmoil, conflict, and unrest, both internally within individuals and externally among nations and communities.” (1)
The enemy has no desire to see us live in peace. He perpetuates chaos, discontent, and wants us to remain lost and despairing. He promotes all the things that this world claims will bring us peace. He distracts and disillusions us so that we drift further from God, and in that drifting, we lose sight of the One who can give us true, lasting peace.
Jesus told us that His peace was unlike that offered by the world.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Peace is far deeper than relationships, things, or pursuits. Peace is a powerful settledness that only comes with an authentic relationship with God and correct knowledge of Him. There is no other way. He is the Source. He is the answer. He is Peace.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:7
The peace of God transcends all understanding. That word, transcends, is the Greek word hyperecho, and it means, “to excel, be superior, or surpass.” (2) Scripture tells us that the peace of God is far superior to anything this world can offer, whether in relationships, experiences, or material possessions. Yet we hesitate to embrace it. We downplay its power. We insist there has to be another method or pathway. Why are we so resistant to accepting that the answer is in Christ?!
There are eight scriptures in the New Testament that all begin with the statement, “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:2, Galatians 1:3, Ephesians 1:2, Philippians 1:2, 2 Thessalonians 1:2, Titus 1:4, Philemon 1:3) Grace and then peace. The order isn’t accidental. We cannot know the surpassing peace of God until we experience His grace in salvation from our sin. The apostle Paul knew that well and he began nearly all of his epistles with that very statement.
Mark 4:35-41 gives us the account of Jesus in the boat in the storm. He slept while the storm raged, why? Because He knew Who controlled the situation. But the disciples? They panicked. Why? Because they didn’t fully trust the Lord, yet (that word “yet” is powerful). They didn’t understand that Jesus was fully God, Master and Lord of all creation, the Omnipotent One, the Eternal One. They didn’t understand their Lord, the Lord of Creation, held power over the wind and waves and over the peace that could rule in their hearts through Him. Their knowledge of Him was limited and the spiritual insight needed had not yet been revealed. When they saw Him calm the storm, “they were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:41 Their eyes began to be opened to Who they were following and the omnipotent power He held over everything- their life, their health, their peace.
When we confess our sin and surrender control of our life to the Lord of Creation, we have nothing to fear. We can enjoy complete and utter peace that emanates from His presence in our lives…not from our ability to control our anxiety or our situation. It is not a matter of our strength, but our submission. He blesses us with a peace that passes understanding, Philippians 4:7.
The meaning of the word peace, itself, helps us understand that it is a supernatural, divine gift from God. The word for peace in Greek is eirene and it means “to set at one again; the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is.” (3) Essentially, when one has peace from God, they’re no longer at odds with Him. They’re in line with His will and they listen and respond to His voice. They are fully surrendered to Him and therefore have no discord, no competing desires, no resistance to His presence and His purposes. They are at rest in mind and heart, even if the world around them is chaotic. Peace is a divine blessing when one is in communion with their Savior.
Parents, we need to pray that our sons and daughters embrace God’s grace, fully, daily, and authentically. Until they do, they will not know His peace and their pointless pursuits for worldly peace will continue. Romans 8:6b tells us, “But the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Isn’t that the deepest desire? And that is the only way to enjoy true peace.
Today, and every day, we need to pray that our sons and daughters know and enjoy this Godly peace that only Jesus can provide. Without it, they will struggle with all the fallenness of this world. They will be dissatisfied, disillusioned, and discontent. They will pursue all the worldly things that promise peace, but do not, cannot, deliver. Pray they would know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Pray they would rest in His Lordship over their life, so that no matter what they encounter, they can rest because Jesus is in the storm with them and He commands control over every aspect of it. Pray they would know peace that transcends understanding, so much so, that others see Christ in them and desire the same peace. Pray that the Holy Spirit would be present and active, overriding the influences of the world and the attacks of the enemy.
“Heavenly Father, You are Elohim- the Supreme God. You are Yahweh- the existing One Who was and is and is to come. You are Shaddai- God Almighty. Each of these names holds the power to grant peace and comfort to us in every moment and any situation. We call on You today to work in (name)’s life and heart. Draw them away from things of this world and toward a committed, authentic relationship with Jesus. I pray that as their parent, I would demonstrate tangible reliance on You so that Your peace indwells me and is evident to those around me. Help me to trust You and rest in You so that my son/daughter sees the example of true, deep abiding peace. Lord, only You can give it. I trust You. I lay down my desires, my need for control, my anxious thoughts and my agenda. Lord, be our Lord in every way. Grant (name) deep peace that surpasses understanding and confidence that You are in control and nothing can happen without your assent. Please let the Holy Spirit govern their lives, their thoughts, their desires. Build (name)’s trust in You. Comfort them with Your presence. Instill a peace that enables them to face hard things, endure disappointment and pain, and to be at rest, even when there is uncertainty and turmoil. You are the steady Rock on which we stand. Affirm that to each of us today, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
Online Parallel Bible Project. (n.d.). Topical bible: Understanding the absence of peace. Bible Hub. https://biblehub.com/topical/u/understanding_the_absence_of_peace.htm
G5242 - hyperechō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (NIV). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5242/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G1515 - eirēnē - Strong's Greek Lexicon (KJV). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1515/kjv/tr/0-1/
Is Joy Even Possible?
No one can be happy all the time. It requires external stimuli to generate feelings of pleasure, delight, and satisfaction. And when that stimulus declines or disappears, we see people become disillusioned, angry, and bitter because the euphoria doesn’t last. They’re ever chasing happiness, but it is fleeting. Happiness is circumstantial and unsustainable.
But joy. Oh, joy!! Joy is something God gives us when we’re fully surrendered to and in relationship with Him. Joy comes from the Source of joy, the presence of God’s peace, and the contentment of belonging, knowing your value, and having purpose, not in performance, but because you belong to Christ. Our circumstances may change, situations may turn sour, relationships become hard, and life hurts. But joy can remain because it’s not dependent on what surrounds us but on Who is within us! Joy is anchored in the eternal, not temporal circumstances or situations.
How many of us know people who, or have ourselves, viewed life in terms of ‘things will be better when…’ or ‘I’d be happy only if…’? We too often fall victim to thinking a change of job or house, a new relationship or pursuit will bring joy. But those are situational and circumstantial. The only change that truly brings joy is changing from a life lived for self to a life lived for God. A surrender of all of our desires, goals, pursuits, and passions to Jesus, making Him Lord of our life, brings true joy. He replaces longing with contentment. He supersedes happiness with real joy. He fixes our eyes not on the temporary, but the eternal.
And when He gives us joy, it is so far beyond what we have words to describe that 1 Peter calls it ‘joy unspeakable’, that’s joy “to which words are inadequate.” (1) Isn’t that the kind of joy we long to know and experience and to see our children know?
““Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible (unspeakable) and filled with glory, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9
What if our sons and daughters found their true, boundless joy in Christ? All of the things of this world would become tarnished and we would recognize they lack the luster they once promised. Our children would know true, deep, satisfying joy that comes from the Source of Life, Himself.
So, how can we know this kind of joy? And how can we pray our sons and daughters pursue true joy, not the endless, defeating treadmill of the pursuit of happiness?
1. Full surrender to Christ as Lord and Savior.
This is where it begins, for all of us. Romans 2:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
There is no way we can, on our own, be without sin and find real, lasting joy. If we fall short of God’s glory, we also fall short of true joy. Full surrender to Christ as Lord unlocks a new dimension of freedom, trust, joy, and peace that otherwise we cannot know.
2. Abide in Christ.
Make the choice to serve Him daily, spend time with Him, worship Him with all that you are and have. What does it mean to abide? It’s where you live. It’s the place you return to daily. It is where you find rest and belonging. It is home. If we abide in Christ, His joy abides in us.
John 15:10-11, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
3. Pray, in Jesus’ name.
Prayer is a conversation with God and involves both speaking and listening. But our prayers are not answered because of the strength, justice, or validity of our appeal. Prayer is answered solely based on God’s character, nature, and attributes. His response aligns with His will, not our desperation. We need to be surrendered, listening, and willing to accept whatever He chooses to do because His responses are in line with His will and His eternal nature, rather than our limited and finite understanding and experience. Trusting in Who He is brings a peace and joy that no earthly guarantee can assure. Pray in His name and wait expectantly. He can do more than we could ask or imagine.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23b-24
Asking in Jesus’ name brings joy because we know and trust the One who answers us.
4. Enjoy fellowship with other believers
“I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.” 2 John 1:12
The Apostle John understood the importance and value of face to face fellowship. It’s something that cannot be gained via screens or online presence. While I’m grateful you take time to read these posts, I pray you are fellowshipping with other believers who can look in your eyes, encourage you with prayer, a hug, truth from the Word, and accountability. We are the body of Christ and the body is many parts, joined together. The body doesn’t log on to see how each part is doing, they are conjoined, sensing the needs, joys, and sorrows of each one. The body does life with all the parts in real time. Our sons and daughters desperately need fellowship, as do we. Pray they would pursue it as a priority, not a nicety.
5. Re-center your focus and anticipation on what is to come, daily.
Again, looking at 1 Peter 1:8-9, we’re reminded that joy is the product of knowing our eternity is secure in Christ.
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9
Our faith will one day become sight and we will SEE Jesus, our Savior, face to face! We need to pray that our sons and daughters are not caught up in the pursuit of success, money, things and relationships, distracted by the temporal things here. We need to cover them with prayer so they embrace the status of life as a believer in Christ, not the status of life as defined by this world. Pray they live, undistracted, realizing every day that eternity is a breath away and Who they pursue and what they worship makes a difference.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
Joy is attainable! True, inexpressible, overflowing joy can be ours as believers in Christ! There is no law against it. No one can take it from us! It is a fruit of the Spirit, a product of Christ’s indwelling our hearts and minds! Let’s pray our sons and daughters embrace love and experience true, inexpressible joy in Jesus!
Check back soon, next up we’ll talk about peace!
Pray without ceasing!
G412 - aneklalētos - Strong's Greek Lexicon (KJV). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g412/kjv/tr/0-1/
What is Love, Really?
Love.
We hear about it a lot. There are holidays dedicated to it. Whole industries are built around it. Music thrives on the idea of love and jewelry companies capitalize on the tokens of love. We celebrate it at weddings and share the joy with those who proclaim they’ve found it and their ‘forever’ person. But really, what is love? Is it just a feeling? Is it an emotion? We can find it, but can we lose it? How can we really know?
Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
If love is a fruit of the Spirit, there is more to it than a feeling…and it’s motivated by more than our emotions. As believers in Christ and followers of His Word, it is important that we understand what love is (and isn’t).
We want our sons and daughters to show evidence of a Spirit-filled life, right? So, over the next few weeks, we’re going to pray through each of these qualities of the heart and mind, asking God to build them up, increase their fruit, and strengthen their faith. This week we will pray through several scriptures about love. You may want to do one a day or you may want to pray the entire list each day. Praying Scripture always brings a return!
It’s important to understand that despite what this world tells us, love is not a feeling- that’s the greatest misrepresentation of that attribute. Love is not something you ‘fall’ into and out of. Love is a choice and an action. It is choosing to love the unlovely. It is choosing to be kind to those who are not. It is choosing to be patient when we’re tired, overwhelmed, or stressed. Love is not something you extend to others because of what you receive in return. Love is not, and was never meant to be, transactional but something we offer to others because Christ compels us.
Understand the Biblical meaning of love:
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.” 1 Corinthians 13:4
We’ve all observed people who speak with all the fancy words, do all the ‘noble’ things, but they do it for their own ego. Their actions are selfish and the value and authenticity of their words and convictions come into question. Though they say they are loving, they don’t exemplify it.
On the other hand, you may know someone who is difficult to like. They may not be a nice person; maybe they’re even unkind to you. But, despite your feelings of caution, you consistently choose to show kindness towards that person, you show them respect and meet needs, encourage, and support them. That is being loving. It’s not about the feelings, it’s about the choices and actions. It is a choice to act like Jesus when we’re not inclined to do so, setting our own rights or expectations aside, giving towards those we might otherwise think do not deserve our kindness. When we choose words and actions that portray Jesus, in spite of our feelings, we do not betray His name.
Pray that our sons and daughters would understand Biblical love and would be intentional in how they respond to others. May their life be a testimony. Pray for patience and kindness. Pray against envy, arrogance, and boastfulness.
Understand why we love:
“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
We are fallen human beings, limited in every way. Yet, because God loves us, He enables us to show love to others. And the love we are called to show is not the human, faulty, fickle love, but the love of God- sacrificial, selfless, and healing.
“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are.” 1 John 3:1a (NASB95)
Does the immensity and transformational power of God’s love move us? It should. In light of how God loved and redeemed us, how can we not love others?!
Pray that our sons and daughters understand why we love others. Pray that they learn how to love like Jesus. Pray they are moved by the immensity of God’s love and it transforms their hearts and minds in Christ.
Understand that love is the key identifier of Christ-followers:
John 13:35 “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
When you see someone wearing the team jersey, it’s a pretty good indicator that they are supporters of that team. As the World Cup is being played in the United States, we are seeing all kinds of team jerseys and the enthusiasm is high. If someone sees a jersey that reflects their own alliance there is joy and sometimes greetings and encouragement is exchanged. There is connectedness and comeraderie.
As believers, we have the Holy Spirit who indwells us. When the Holy Spirit in us encounters that same Holy Spirit in another, there is joy and excitement. A brother! A sister! We love those encounters and others see how we embrace and support one another. It’s an instant connection. Others observing may ask, “Do you know them?”.
Believers are not (or should not be) in competition with each other, we’re on the same team, working together to glorify God and shine His light. They work together to bring relief and support to those in need. They collaborate to share the gospel, feed the hungry, comfort the grieving, and welcome the stranger. It’s not our vast knowledge of Scripture, but our heart of love that shows others we are different.
The world looks on and they see something different about believers. They see joy. They see purpose. They see love.
Pray that our sons and daughters would embrace God’s love as that character quality that sets them apart, marks them for Christ, and binds them to the brotherhood of believers, not in competition for recognition but in connection for the Kingdom.
Understand that God’s love has the power to keep and protect us eternally:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”” Romans 8:35-36
Believers are found in the dark places, serving, rescuing, meeting needs and showing love. Believers go where others will not because Christ’s love compels us. Our boldness comes not from our own bravery, but because we believe God is true to His word and His love is eternal.
We read story after story of missionaries who go to difficult places. They take their children to countries that are foreign to them, with different languages, customs, food…and different gods. They face resistance, persecution, and even willing to face death. Why? Because they are compelled by the love of God. The eternal has a more powerful hold on them than anything this world can threaten or deliver. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Believers know the value of bringing others into the Kingdom and sharing the redemption of Jesus to bring them from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light. They understand this life and its struggles are temporary. They are building kingdom treasure by way of souls turned to Jesus through the gospel.
Pray that our sons and daughters would have eternal perspective. Pray that God would have such a hold on their heart that everything they do is motivated by love for Him and for others to know Him. Pray that they would be confident that there is nothing that can happen to them here that would impact, lessen, or remove God’s love.
Understand that love must be authentic, both from us and from other believers:
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” Rom 12:9 (ESV)
Other translations put it this way:
“Love must be without hypocrisy.” (NIV)
“Don’t just pretend to love others.” (NLT)
“Let love be without hypocrisy.” (NKJV)
There is nothing more distasteful than hearing someone spout the virtues of Scripture and then be observed being deceptive, vindictive, cruel, or dishonest. They speak like Jesus but turn around and live like the world. Fruit is evidence of what you value, what you consume, and what you prioritize. Authentic love, agape, is the fruit of being surrendered to and abiding in Christ. He must increase, we must decrease (John 3:30).
Pray that our sons and daughters will be able to identify authentic agape and will be drawn to that. Pray they would demonstrate that love in their lives and in their interactions with others. Pray that when others see them, they see Jesus in them. No counterfeit. No hypocrisy. No pretending.
Understand that God’s love is immeasurable and eternal; there is no authority that can overcome it or diminish it, we don’t have to earn it, we cannot lose it, we are held secure:
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
So much in this world is tenuous. People come and go from our lives. Jobs are gained and lost. Wealth is earned and lost. Wars and conflicts erupt, boundaries change, and powers rise and fall. There is little that can be considered a ‘sure thing’. But God. He is forever faithful. And His love is immoveable, eternal, and cannot be overcome, diminished, or ruined. God will never ‘fall out of love’ with us. Praise Him!
Pray that our sons and daughters understand the immensity and certainty of God’s love for us and the unshakeable assurance that we have in Him. Pray that they are encouraged, compelled, and confident to live for Christ and share His love with the world. Pray that when they think about love, they don’t look to this broken world and its poor examples, but to God alone.
There are SO many scriptures we can pray through. Here is a further list if you want to continue beyond what we discussed:
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,” Hebrews 10:24
“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Cor 16:14
“Through love serve one another”. Gal 5:13b
“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Eph 5:2
Feel free to go to the comments and add more scripture that you are praying through! We would all benefit from it!
We’re all praying for those we love and as followers of Jesus, we are all part of the family of God. No matter what country, what time zone, what language, we are united in the Body of Believers and one day we will stand in His presence, together, worshipping Him! What a glorious day that will be!
Pray without ceasing, friends. God is working!
Are You “In”?
Have you ever been going through your day and God hits you with a spiritual lesson or insight that seemingly comes out of nowhere, but you’re left pondering it all day?
That happened to a friend the other day as they were walking into a hospital to undergo a test.
The name of the hospital is Christ Hospital and there they care for people with heart conditions. As they looked at the sign, my friend realized they could stand outside the hospital, literally stand under the sign itself, they could understand the name and what it means, know what they do there, talk to others about it, but if they never chose to step into the hospital, they wouldn’t receive the healing care and help they needed. They had to step inside and submit themselves to the doctor’s care, trusting in his knowledge and wisdom for their healing because they can’t heal themselves.
This genetic problem will require ongoing care for a lifetime. They will need to keep going back to Christ Hospital. They can’t fix it myself. Ignoring it won’t change it. Thinking positive thoughts won’t correct it. Their health and life depend on my being present and cared for by the experts who can look deeply into their heart and see what is wrong and then apply the necessary procedures and medicines that will keep their heart healthy.
As we talked, the Lord struck me that this is such a powerful picture of our need for Christ!! We have a chronic sin problem- we ALL have it and we will live with it for a lifetime. Sin brings death. It wreaks destruction. It thrives in darkness and breeds pride and self-righteousness. It debilitates and destroys us. And we need a Healer who can look into our hearts, remove the sin, and bring healing and purpose. Our hearts need constant attention from the One who created them. We don’t just need Him once, we need Him for life. His ongoing care and protection ensures our heart will remain protected from the damage sin causes.
You see, this life is not all there is. We were meant to live with God, in harmony and oneness. All creation was meant to be set at one with Him. Yet sin corrupted that and separated us from God. Being a good person does not qualify us for heaven, only God can qualify us. God made a way, through Jesus’ death and resurrection, that our sins could be forgiven, our spiritual condition justified and sanctified, and our eternity secured with Him. Our affected hearts are a reminder that God has so much more waiting for us where our nearness to God will not be distanced by sin and our hearts won’t be divided between this fallen world and His eternal home for us. He will completely heal our physical hearts as He has healed us spiritually.
I’m in!
Friends, there are SO many people who treat Jesus casually. They know about Him. They can talk about Him to others, they know the ‘lingo’. They remain close to things associated with Him, yet they never enter into a relationship with Him. They stand outside, claiming association with Him, yet doing things their own way. They are not in Christ. They are not saved.
That word ‘in’ is the Greek word ‘en’ and it means a fixed position in place (where you are), time (when), and state (our internal situation), instrumentality (what is working on us), and a relation of rest (not changing position over time). (1)
God knows the difference. He sees the condition of our heart. He sees where we are and He knows whether we are in relationship with Him. He cannot be fooled.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
If we desire eternal life, if we long for forgiveness, if we crave purpose and eternal security, the only place to find it isin Christ. There is no other system of belief that offers assurance of forgiveness, redemption, justification, and eternal security with God. Every other religious system is dependent on the individual doing ‘enough’ to earn God’s favor. Yet, how can we ever be enough? We are fallen humans, full of sin, even on our best day, we have faults and failings that cannot stand before a holy God.
Are you in?
Jesus paid the price for our sin by dying on the cross and taking on himself the punishment for our sin. He was buried and rose from the grave, conquering death and its sting, forever alive and seated at the right hand of God. He gave His life so we could live. When we trust Jesus’ work on the cross for our salvation, we are in Christ. When we believe He was raised from the dead and holds authority over every power, position, and realm, we have His guaranteed salvation. We know that when God looks on us, instead of seeing our sin, He sees Jesus, holy, blameless, and acceptable. We are accepted as His child, His beloved.
Are you in?
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2
Are you praying for someone who needs God’s healing? Is your son or daughter lingering near the name of Jesus, yet refusing to enter and be treated? Maybe they know the right words, can quote scripture, they know the gospel, but they have not embraced it for their own salvation. Today is the day to pray that they would enter “in Christ” and be saved.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Maybe you’re praying for a prodigal who is running from God and wants nothing to do with Him. Friends, God is mightier than the biggest attitude, He is stronger than the most rebellious spirit, He reaches farther than they can run, deeper than they can fall, and higher than any wall they might build. God is ever-present, everywhere. He sees exactly where they are, what they’re doing, and understands their deepest need. We cannot change their heart, although we may try, but God can. Pray that He would intervene, that the Holy Spirit would bring conviction and a desire to surrender their heart and life to Jesus. Pray that He would bring other believers into their path and that He would make Himself known in ways they cannot deny.
40 Days of Prayer for the Prodigal is a valuable resource that walks you through 40 days of Scripture-based prayer and offers journal prompts to support your focus and your mindfulness as you pray for your loved one. Don’t keep praying the same things over and over, use God’s word to deepen your prayers and fight the darkness with the light of Scripture. Get your copy on Amazon today!
Pray without ceasing.
G1722 - en - Strong's Greek Lexicon (KJV). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1722/kjv/tr/0-1/
Struggling with Words
Recently I’ve struggled with what to write on the blog. I’ve prayed, “Lord, what is it that people need to hear? What are they wrestling with? What is it they need to pray for their sons and daughters?” And words have been elusive. Oh, I’ve had plenty of ideas, good titles, and valuable Scripture that comes to mind, but when I sit down, the words don’t flow and I won’t post unless I am prompted by the Lord that it’s what He wants others to hear. I realized today, the absence or uncertainty of what to say is exactly what needs saying.
Sometimes when we pray, we just don’t have the words. We struggle to say what burdens our hearts or races in our minds. We know it, but we can’t seem to express it. We fumble. We stutter. We come up short.
The Bible tells us there is prayer for that, friends.
“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:2
Sometimes we need to sit with Who God is. We need to ponder His faithfulness, His Sovereignty, His eternal nature, in order to have a right mind and heart before Him. We need to be quiet. Words are not the be-all and end-all of prayer, though we’re often led to believe that. Eloquence without a right heart is empty and honestly, is no better than the Pharisees.
God sees the burdens of our heart. Nothing is hidden from Him or too deeply buried that He cannot fully understand.
“Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.” Psalm 138:6-7
Though we may struggle with words, with expressing the heavy burdens and aching pain of our hearts, when we humble ourselves before the Lord and ask, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us.
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
When we don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit who indwells us communicates on our behalf to the Father, praying words we cannot about griefs, pains, and struggles that God sees and understands.
We must remind ourselves that God is more powerful than our struggles, pain, and hardship. He has the power to overcome. Yet, sometimes He waits. Will we wait with Him, trusting Him, or will we work against Him, pushing ahead for the resolution or rescue that we think is best?
“But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you;” Psalm 10:14
We need to pray for His will, not our own, and then be willing to wait for it. But do we know His will? Not always, but if we surrender to Him, He will make it clear. As believers in Christ, though we may not know how a situation will be resolved or a need met, we DO know that God is Sovereign, His dominion is eternal, His will is perfect, and His plan is securely in place. We can trust Him. When we quiet our hearts before Him and intentionally pursue Him, and not this world, He reveals His will to us and helps us be at peace with it. It could be moments, days, or years, but God’s timing is unlike anything we understand or experience in our limited human capacity. If we trust His eternality, if we believe in His sovereignty, we need to rest in His timing and that His way is perfect.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
So, this week, as you pray- or struggle to pray- do the following:
Quiet your heart before Him. Sit with Him and listen.
Exalt Him- His Supremacy, His Dominion, His Faithfulness, Power and Purpose that work on our behalf. Let your words be few.
Acknowledge that He sees you and your burdens and pain. Speak it out loud so your ears hear your heart and mind affirming your trust.
Ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for you and for your loved one. He knows where they are, what they need, and the condition of their heart. Ask Him to work as Redeemer, Great Physician, Advocate, Defender, Rescuer, and Shepherd.
Take time to meditate on Scripture. Continually point your heart and mind to the infallible Word of God, the truths that affirm His Authority and Power, the reassurance that He is fully in control.
Rest in Who He is and what He will do.
“But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,” Psalm 33:18
Pray without ceasing.
Identity Crisis…Who are You?
What is your identity? What defines you? It’s a question that many of us ponder and one that young people today wrestle with in so many ways.
When someone asks, “Who are you?” It's a question of identity, value, purpose, and belonging. We should not typically answer that with “I’m a teacher” or “I’m an engineer” because those answers tell what we do, but not who we are. But far too often, we may find ourselves identifying ourselves by what we do and finding our identity and value in that. It’s an easy trap and one the enemy likes to weave for us. We begin to align our value by our productivity and by how useful we are to others. Yet, that’s not how God values us.
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8
What this world teaches us about our value is so warped and our sons and daughters (and we) too often fall into the trap of defining ourselves and our value by what we do and produce. But God doesn’t love us because of what we can do for Him. He didn’t choose us because we had something of value He could use. He didn’t redeem us because we showed promise or would be a great addition to the “team”. None of us was the strongest player, most engaging speaker, most diligent student or highest producer. We were wretched, ungodly, lost sinners. And while we were still sinners, filthy in our faults, our failures, our poverty of character, He chose us, died for us, and set us apart for His own.
Our value is not in what we do, it is in who we are and Whose we are.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18a
It’s easy to get caught up in our jobs, our ministry, our hobbies, and begin to make that our identity, especially if we’re good at it and hear words of affirmation telling us so. We begin to align our worth with our production, our position, our vocation or career goals and accomplishments. But God is not interested in a performative relationship where we excel and He loves us for it. No, He loves us because we are made in His image. We did nothing to earn this love. Yet we benefit from it in so many ways.
1 John 4:10, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
A job loss, a market shift, a debilitating illness or accident can happen suddenly and those things which we believed gave us value suddenly disappear and if we’re not careful, our estimation of our value shifts or diminishes.
What we thought gave us value and purpose is no longer present and we risk spiraling into defeat, lack of purpose, and feeling worthless. God never intended us to find our value and purpose in what we do, but to find our value and purpose in Him and express that through what we do, demonstrating to others the joy of the Lord and the purpose and value He gives us when we walk faithfully with Him.
“We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us.” 2 Corinthians 6:8a (NLT)
When we find our identity in Christ we have a secure (Psalm 16:5), unchangeable (Hebrews 13:8), and perfect identity as His child (1 John 5:1), His beloved (Colossians 3:12), the one in whom He delights and rejoices over with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). THAT is a powerful identity!
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
When we seek His kingdom first, we are setting our priorities according to God’s will and focusing on things of eternal value, not things that are temporary, flawed, and unpredictable. We begin to understand who we are and what our purpose is. This world WILL pass away, yet we are created to be eternal and our home is with Him in His kingdom.
“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10
Today, let’s pray for our sons and daughters, first that they would seek God’s kingdom before anything else. Next, pray that they would understand their identity in light of Jesus' love, sacrifice, and purpose for them. Pray they would have an eternal mindset and not get distracted by status, wealth, and things of this world. Ask God to bind the enemy and keep him from interfering or distracting them from understanding who they are in Christ and the purpose He has for them.
“Our Father in Heaven, Your name is holy. I pray that Your kingdom would come so that both earth and heaven would be set at one again under Your authority and reign- a shalom of Your creation as you intended. Lord, I pray that (name) would desire that most of all- to see You reign and every knee bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. If that is not our heart’s desire, change our hearts. I pray that (name) would always seek Your kingdom first. Help them to know and understand they are Your child, You love them and have a purpose for them. This world is not their home, nor is it where they should find their purpose and value. But, Father, when that is what we’re surrounded by and all that we know, it’s difficult to not fall into the habits and traps of valuing ourselves and finding our identity in what this world says is important and purposeful. Father, I pray that You would interrupt (name)’s thoughts today. Shift their heart desires to You. Turn their eyes away from worthless things. Give them a deep understanding of their value and purpose in Christ. Define their identity according to Your will and Your Word. Remind them that this world is temporary and give them a longing to be in Your presence and to worship and serve You alone. Lord, work in all of our hearts and make us more like Christ, in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
Are you praying for a prodigal? Oh the heartache and heaviness of battling in prayer for one who needs to return to Jesus! Yet, you’re praying to the One who made their heart and knows it completely. 40 Days of Prayer for the Prodigal is a great Bible-based resource to guide your prayer journey and bring you closer to the Lord with each passing day. Get your copy today and transform your prayer life in significant ways!
Available on Amazon
Do You Want More than Just the “Motions” of Prayer?
Here at Join the PAC Prayer we cover topics of prayer and encouragement that help us pray effectively for our adult children and other loved ones. We talk about the ‘stuff of life’, the heartaches, the joys, the dangers, and the eternal truths that God reminds us of in His word.
But it’s good to stop and think about the process of prayer, too. We often focus on what we are praying, but do we think about howwe are praying? How are we approaching God? What is our heart posture? What is our mindset? What is our purpose in prayer?
Prayer Traps
Recently I watched a bit of The Master’s golf tournament. I’m not a big of golf, but it was intriguing. The players are so skilled. But even with all their ability and experience, several of them hit their golf ball and it veered off in a direction they didn’t want it to go and they ended up in a sand trap. They were stuck and had to take more strokes to get to the hole. It became a diversion to the goal.
As we pray, we can find ourselves in ‘prayer traps’ that redirect our prayers and our attention and our hearts to those things that are not productive or God-honoring. We run the risk of saying empty words and just going through the motions.
One-sided prayer:
Have you ever had a conversation with someone who does all the talking, doesn’t take time to ask about you or listen to what is important in your life, and then finishes the conversation and goes off as if all is good. You’re left feeling unimportant, unheard, and kind of used.
When we only approach God for our needs and wants without addressing Him, glorifying and worshipping Him, and listening to Him, we are really having a one-sided conversation that fails to step into the fullness of prayer. Prayer is a sweet communion between us and God. We shouldn’t cheat ourselves out of the blessing of hearing from God and worshipping His greatness.
“‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
Matthew 15:8
Expecting Quick Delivery:
Too often we fall into a pattern of treating prayer like a fast-food drive through. We pull up, place our order and then wait (impatiently) for our order to be handed to us in a matter of moments or, at the least, days. It becomes impersonal and selfish. We asked for it, God should deliver it, right?
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance
about what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
God proves His faithfulness over and over. Sometimes He takes us to the brink only to show His greatness in ways that will crush any doubt and fill our hearts with unwavering commitment to Him.
God could have delivered the Israelites after one plague, but He didn’t. But why? He knew we needed the testimony and power of ten plagues in the process of God’s deliverance. He wanted a powerful story that would last for thousands of years and be recounted through generations to remind His children of His goodness, protection, and deliverance. He wanted us to have every Red Sea, manna from heaven, water from the rock moment to bolster our faith and remind us of His faithfulness, His power, His plan.
Without the testimony of God’s powerful deliverance, we would be spoiled believers who use God for our own means rather than being surrendered believers, relying on Him for our every breath and life.
An Attitude of “Deserving”:
Another trap we fall into is the ‘deserving’ trap. We buy into the performative posture. Because we ‘do’, we ‘deserve’. We view our value to God based on what we accomplish for Him- teaching Sunday School, evangelizing, leading worship, writing a blog or speaking to gatherings, the list goes on. But God wants relationships, not performance. He wants authenticity, not production. He doesn’t redeem us so we can be producers, He redeems us so we can worship Him and be in fellowship with Him.
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done,
but because of His mercy.”
Titus 3:5a
We are God’s family, not His employees. When we talk to God, He wants us to approach Him as our Father, not our HR rep. Begin with a mindset that fully understands the depth of mercy He’s lavished on us. That changes our mindset, our posture, our heart. We were devastatingly lost in our sin, yet He died for us to redeem us. He loved us in even when we were in our detestable state of sin, drowning in darkness, unworthy, without merit, and without hope.
Are we deserving? No. Is He gracious and merciful? Absolutely. Remember that as you approach Him in prayer.
A Pattern for Prayer
King David gives us a great pattern for prayer throughout the Psalms. Is this the only way to pray? No, but it’s a great example and actually one that Jesus followed in the Lord’s prayer. Let’s take a look:
First, exalt God.
“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the LORD; the humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.”
Psalm 34:1-3
Before you ask for anything, focus on God’s character and nature. Spend time in worship and praise of Who He is. Set your heart and mind in the right posture to begin an authentic, effective conversation with the Almighty. He already knows what you will ask and what weighs heavily on your heart. Don’t rush into the requests. Take time to rest in Who He is. Don’t simply be a consumer.
“Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering and come into His courts.”
Psalm 96:7-8
Recall His works and wonders.
“Come and hear, all who fear God, and I will tell of what He has done for my soul.”
Psalm 66:16
Thank Him for the Red Sea rescue, for the widow’s oil that didn’t run out, for being the God who stood and triumphed against the hundred prophets of Baal, the God who healed leprosy, crippled legs, blind eyes and deaf ears, the God who defeated death and paid for sin with His own life. Record those miracles and wonders from scripture so you have a go-to list to remind yourself of His power and provision. List the amazing things God’s done for you and shown you and thank Him for them. Remind yourself of His greatness and provision. It sets the tone for your upcoming requests and reminds you that nothing is too hard for Him. He sees. He hears. He acts. Believe Him.
“LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”
Habakkuk 3:2
Surrender yourself to Him, ensure your heart is right.
Confess any lingering sin or offense. Scripture tells us again and again that our heart condition is important to God.
“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;”
Psalm 66:18
If we want effective communion with the Lord, we need to ensure there is nothing that stands between us and Him.
“The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”
Proverbs 15:29
Humble yourself before the Lord. Allow Him to reveal what needs to be confessed. Let Him show you if there are idols that need to be displaced. Ask Him to soften your heart and make it right with Him.
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
1 Peter 3:12
Pray
Pour out your heart to the One Who created you.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6
Throughout Scripture there are many different descriptions of prayer from crying out to quietly meditating. Prayer can be shouting in grief or joy, and interceding for ourselves and others. There is no ‘right’ volume or words. When we pray, we step past the veil into a spiritual realm that we cannot see but our spirits understand and where Jesus is our High Priest. He advocates for us in ways that no other will. He loves us. He protects us. He provides. Take time to dwell in that space and enjoy His presence.
Wait in hope
God always answers. Always. But His timing does not match our own. He exists outside of time and space and He holds all of history that has been and is yet to come in His scope as He works. Everything He does is interwoven with Who He is and with His plan for mankind. Trust His work.
“I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”
Psalm 130:5
When we had children, it wasn’t simply to ‘get a child’ but to grow that relationship, watch how they learned, explored, and deepened their understanding of themselves, their family, and the world. The answer to our prayer for a child wasn’t just in the delivery (whether by birth or adoption) but in the unfolding of the whole experience of parenthood.
Prayer is similar. We should not just be there for the answer, but for the unfolding of the process and how it grows us. Waiting in hope deepens our faith. It shows us the depths of God’s love, care, and faithfulness- His ‘hesed’ (Hebrew). Hesed is God’s covenant faithfulness, His powerful merciful kindness that has our best at the heart of His work and His ways. Everything God does is ultimately pointed toward His will and plan to bring everything under His authority and rule, to bring Shalom- to set everything at one again, a step back to the garden before the fall. As you wait, remind yourself of the words “shalom” and “hesed”. There is purpose in the waiting. Don’t let your impatience and your longing overshadow His work.
Journal
How often do we hear or experience something and say “That’s something I’ll never forget!”, and yet, we do forget. Those powerful examples that God gives us often become dim or clouded when we’re desperate, struggling, longing for an answer. Journaling is a testament not only to ourselves, but to those who follow. It is a legacy of faith that attests to what God has done and how we learned to follow after Him. Because, if we’re honest, though we pray for answers to our prayers, our deepest longing is more of Him. When we stand in eternity, we won’t cling to that car, that job, that friend or family member, we will cling to Jesus and praise Him.
“We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us what You did in their days, in days long ago. It was not with their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was Your right hand, Your arm, for you loved them.”
Psalm 44:2-3
We want to ensure we leave a Godly heritage for our children and pass along generational blessings. What a treasure to have a record of what God did in a life!
“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.”
Psalm 103:17-18
Prayer is a beautiful, powerful communion with God that can take you deeper into fellowship with Him and strengthen your faith. There is no ‘perfect’ way to pray. God just wants to talk with you. Step into that conversation and listen for His voice.
I’ve created a printable you can use for this format of prayer. There are two versions, fancy or plain. Feel free to print them and share them. My prayer is that it will help you grow in your prayer life and deepen and enrich your time with the Lord.
Pray without ceasing, friends!
A Phone Call in the Night
“It was a dark and stormy night.”
Last Thursday night was truly a dark and stormy night. Spring weather in the midwest USA can be tumultuous and unpredictable. My husband and I sat watching the weather reports as storms moved into our area and severe cells began showing rotation with potential for tornadoes. As many midwesterners would understand, we made sure we had our shoes on in case we needed to make a run for the tornado shelter. My 10pm bedtime came and went and I was still awake. Then my phone rang. It was our youngest daughter. Her voice was a little hard to hear as she said “I was on my way home on the highway and got hit.” It was her birthday and she’d driven to the city to meet friends for the evening and to celebrate turning 24. She sounded shaken and uncertain with traffic noise in the background and rain pouring down.
As a mom, my mind raced through all the things, “where is she?”, “is she okay?” “what do we need to do?” She said she was alright but needed a ride home because her car wasn’t driveable. That brought more concern, how ‘not driveable’ was it? We sprang up from our seats, concern over the weather now a distant thought. We grabbed our wallets and headed to the car- thinking enough to grab a raincoat and a coat for our daughter as well. We prayed as we got onto the road that the Lord would keep her safe, protect her from harm, give us clear travel and hold off the weather. “Lord, protect her life.”
She was nearly 40 miles away, in a limited access construction zone that was only accessible by exiting the highway and getting into the westbound lanes and waiting in the miles-long backup caused by the accident. We were told to pull up to the accident site, on the highway, in the midst of the chaos. As we crawled through the traffic, our patience was tested. All I wanted to do was see my girl, affirm to my own eyes that she was okay. After what seemed like forever, we finally saw the emergency lights and made our way up to the accident. As soon as we stopped I jumped out and saw her walking toward me, safe and well. Praise God! I looked around and saw a semi truck, a flatbed tow truck and then, I saw the car…or what was left of it.
It was in that moment that God showed me the power of prayer and that our prayers are never wasted, never unheard, never pointless. My daughter was whole and unharmed save some bruises and sore muscles. The Lord guarded her life in so many ways.
Sometimes we may wonder what effect our prayers actually have- does God even hear us? Does He really respond? Then God gives us a glimpse of His working. He does hear and He sees our love for our children and He loves them too. He is always watching over them.
The officer in charge smiled kindly and told us there was nothing more we needed to do and the car would be towed to a local wrecking yard. We got back into our car, made our way back into the flow of traffic and began the trip home.
The story unfolded as we drove home, she was the second car in a 4 vehicle chain reaction crash, the first and last vehicles being semi trucks. She had plenty of room as the truck in front of her braked fast and hard, and the tow truck behind her did as well, but the semi truck at the rear of the line couldn’t stop and plowed into the tow truck who then hit our daughter’s car and pushed her into the front semi. As we listened we understood even more how God protected her life.
The days that followed brought more details and then a visit to the wrecking yard to gather her belongings. When we asked how the car looked in the daylight all she responded was, “Bad, bad, bad.” We recognized the goodness of God, yet again. The car was so beyond repair, but it did what it was designed to do- it saved her life in a crash. She is a living, walking testimony of the goodness and protection of the Lord (and the wise design of Toyota- thank you!)
It’s amazing, (but not surprising) to see how God aligns His messages and His word to everyday life. I’ve been studying 1 Samuel and this week’s lesson had me read 1 Samuel 25 and one verse jumped out at me because it was such a beautiful picture of God’s protection. I Samuel 25:29, “If men rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living in the care of the LORD your God. And the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling.”
The backstory to that verse is that David was being pursued by Saul, the King of Israel. Saul wanted to kill David. All of Saul’s men, his loyal followers, were part of the pursuit. David was on the run, cut off from connection with his family, from fellowship, sacrifice and offering at the tabernacle. He was exiled and hunted. His life was in danger on every side.
The enemy had an agenda…you see if David was destroyed, the line of David would be erased and the Messiah would be thwarted (or so Satan thought). There was much at stake that even David didn’t recognize, but his heart was tender to God. David had to surrender himself to God’s plan and trust His protection. He was in the storm, on the run, but he trusted that God had a plan. He was God’s anointed.
In 1 Samuel 25, Abigail reminded David of the Source of his protection. She said, “If men rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living in the care of the LORD your God. And the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling.” 1 Samuel 25:29
That line resonated with me, “The life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living in the care of the LORD your God.” There is so much that pursues our sons and daughters. The enemy wants to incapacitate them, he wants to eliminate their influence, diminish or remove their testimony, and snuff out their potential. He wants to keep them from the mission God has established and he wants to poison their fruit.
David could have been distracted by the others around him, by the difficult circumstances, by pride, by hardship, but he kept His focus on God and God sent others to remind him of his purpose and to protect his integrity.
So often situations in life mirror our spiritual walk. As our daughter drove on the highway, she could have been distracted by the other drivers going too fast in that construction zone. She could have been consumed by her thoughts, worries, or even fiddling with the ‘entertainment’ in the car. But instead she stayed focused on what was ahead of her. She was mindful of the storm outside. She stayed in her lane, not wandering back and forth. She remained steady to what she knew would keep her safe if the unthinkable began to unfold. Are our sons and daughters mindful of the storm? Are they cautious of those around them who might cause them to ‘crash’? Are they taking care to ensure they are following the Lord and not wandering or veering off the narrow road?
We can raise our sons and daughters with caution and care. We can do our best to protect them from negative influences. We can do all the things to ensure their life is protected (we can put them in the safest car.) But there is nothing more powerful we can do than to ask the Lord to surround them and hold them close. When we ask God to bind them in the bundle of the living in the care of the Lord our God, the omnipotent One whose ways and will cannot be thwarted, we are protecting them in the strongest way. When God does that, they are held securely by Him, held closely to Himself, for safe-keeping. Nothing can touch them out of His will. I love that symbolism. Ponder that for a moment.
Our daughter was bound in the bundle of the living in the care of the Lord our God. That is what preserved her life. God has a purpose for her. He chose, on her 24th birthday, to give her life again. He has a plan. All of our efforts mean nothing if He is not in it. Had the semi truck been going faster, had the tow truck been even closer, had the first semi not begun moving before the initial crash, we could be grieving a much different outcome. But our sweet girl was bound in the bundle of the living in the care of the Lord our God.
I ask for nothing better for my sons and daughters- Lord bind them close to You! Today, you should pray the same. Trust God for the care of your children. Trust that He has a plan that outsmarts the enemy, outmaneuvers the obstacles of this world, and surrounds them with spiritual and physical protection that is far beyond what we could generate or orchestrate. God is mighty. His protection is invincible. He has a plan and we need to trust Him.
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your powerful hand of protection over my children. Your mercy is more than we deserve and you give it to us daily, new every morning. I pray that You would remind me daily of Your guiding hand and open my eyes to see Your kindness, Your goodness, Your powerful protection each and every day. I pray, too, that (name) would recognize Your hand in their life. Help them to see that not a moment, not a breath is guaranteed and each is a gift from You in line with Your plan for their life. I know You have a plan, Lord. I trust that You will protect and preserve (name) so they will be able to fulfill what You have for them to do. Help them to be surrendered to You and obedient to Your will. Keep them walking faithfully with you, not straying to the left or the right. Protect them from others who would influence the in the wrong ways. Remove distractions that would take their focus off of You. Lord, there is nothing better I can do to keep them from harm than to give them to You and trust Your shield about them. Help us, as parents, to give our sons and daughters to You. Take away our fear. Free us from worry that consumes our thoughts and keeps us from fully trusting You. Remind us of Your omnipotent power. You are the Lord of the storm-both physical and spiritual. Be our shelter and our safe place. Guard and guide us. Keep us in the center of Your will and under the shadow of Your wings. Bind (name) in the bundle of the living in Your care, oh LORD my God. Show Yourself powerful to protect and preserve (name) today and in the days ahead, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Does God Even Hear Me?
“I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted.” Psalm 77:1-2
Are there days when you wonder if God is listening? You’ve been praying desperately and faithfully, yet nothing seems to change. Or maybe you’re convinced He’s stopped listening altogether, that He’s turned a deaf ear to your pleas. Maybe He’s tired of hearing from you. You pray, but it seems to go nowhere. You wait and wonder. You long for a sign, a response, a glimmer of hope. But everything is quiet.
When we desperately pray, we look for any sign, any movement, that will show us God hears us and is working. Yet that time of waiting can be dark and lonely. It can be disheartening to be looking for a response and not hearing anything. We get anxious. We get impatient. And we get frustrated with God. We don’t see things as He does, we can’t see His plan, and trusting grows more difficult as the wait stretches out before us. How long, Lord?
It is in those dark, silent times that the enemy begins to weave his lies. We hear things like, “God isn’t listening” and “God doesn’t really care.” We begin to believe the lies that God is too busy to attend to our prayers and that our needs are not important to Him. And if a lie is repeated often enough, it is believed, it is embraced, it becomes truth to us. The enemy will do whatever he can to pull our eyes away from God and fill us with regret, despair, and heartache. We begin to fall for the lies and we doubt God will answer.
That’s why, when we’re longing for answers and seeking responses from God, we must remind ourselves of what is true. God is faithful. God is Sovereign. God is merciful. God will work justice for the oppressed. There are so many reminders of our Almighty, Sovereign God and His attributes and His ways. There are so many examples of answered prayers we can point to. We need only begin to read the Psalms to see all that He is and does.
Psalm 77 is a beautiful and powerful account of someone in just this situation. The Psalm begins at a place of questioning God in despair.
“Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” Psalm 77:7-9
The psalmist is wrestling in his heart and mind with grief, trauma, and desperation. He is asking all of those questions that we ask too- has God forgotten to be merciful? Has His love vanished? Although we KNOW the right answers to these questions- our heart and mind wrestle with these thoughts as we desperately cry out to God.
We need to ask ourselves, where are we turning for help? Are we seeking answers that make sense in a time-bound world and to a human mind with limited understanding? Or are we seeking the One who always was, is and is to come? Are we truly trusting the One who is not bound by time or space and has unlimited resources at His disposal? Are we resting in the One whose plans are eternal; the One who knows our heart intimately and has plans for our life that are for our good and His glory.
How can we battle the desperation and loneliness that consume us when we’re pleading with God for deliverance and waiting for His response? How can we fight the feelings of being forgotten and forsaken when it seems like nothing is happening?
When we’re discouraged and defeated, we tend to look at our circumstances and gauge God’s love for us by what is happening to us and around us.
The psalmist, in his despair, knew what he needed to remind himself of….
“Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds. Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” Psalm 77:10-14
When we’re discouraged and defeated, we tend to look at our circumstances and gauge God’s love for us by what is happening to us and around us. But God calls us to look to His faithfulness, His power, His greatness as the reminder we need to assure us that He is still in control and nothing is too hard for Him.
When you’re struggling, ask yourself these questions:
How has God provided for and protected me in my life? Look back through the years and remember God’s faithfulness.
What evidence of God’s Presence and goodness have you seen today? Did you wake up? That’s a start!
Is there any other god that supersedes our God? Go on, consider that. There is none. That alone should give you pause and encouragement. Only one God ever died for the sins of humanity and that One is the singular God who rose from the dead, conquering death and hell, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. All powers and authorities bow to Him. There is no power, no circumstance, no misfortune, and no enemy that can override His will and His authority.
List miracles that you’ve learned about in Scripture and miracles and answers to prayer you’ve experienced in your life prior to this situation.
When we consider His works and His great deeds, we can rest assured that He will indeed answer our prayers and work all things for our good.
God is able to do more than we could ask or imagine. He is not limited by our imagination, He is not constrained by our little faith or by our understanding. He is not bound by time, finances, or location. He is El Shaddai, the God who is sufficient for the needs of His people, always.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” 1 John 5:14
Whatever you’re praying for, know that God hears you. But also be willing to expand your expectations, release your timeline, and surrender your will to His. Watch with faith. He is listening and working, many times in ways you cannot see. Trust Him and be more desperate for Him than for His reply.
“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!” Psalm 31:24
Today, let’s pray through Psalm 77. Then let’s encourage our sons and daughters that God IS working. He hears them. He knows their needs. He will answer. Always.
If you enjoy reading Join the PAC Prayer, why not share it with a friend!! It’s good to be reminded we’re not alone in parenting or in walking with Christ each day. Let’s build this community of believers!
If you have a prayer request, please feel free to email jointhepacprayer@gmail.com. Know that I’m praying for each of the readers! It’s a joy and privilege!
Pray without ceasing.
Obedience Is Greater than Sacrifice
“Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him.” Psalm 128:1
Israel begged God for a king. They wanted a king like all the other nations so that when they went into battle, the other nations could see their leader and they would be successful. But what Israel didn’t understand is that they DID have a king…God was their king. Unlike any other nation, God was on Israel’s side and the other nations saw the power and might of Israel’s God. Yet, Israel rejected Him and begged for a human king. So, God relented and chose Saul to be the first king of Israel. Israel’s rejection of God led to hardship and heartache. And their king? He started off good, but got distracted by fame, by power, and by selfishness. He did what he wanted and then offered sacrifices to earn God’s approval.
Saul was anointed king, but he struggled with obedience to God. He seemed to think that his way was better than God’s way. He was impatient to wait for God’s timing, going so far as to offer the sacrifices himself rather than wait for Samuel, the priest, to manage the sacrifice as required by the Law (1 Samuel 13). The last straw was when God told Saul to destroy the Amalekites, every man, woman, and child, every herd and flock, take no spoil, leave nothing intact. But Saul thought better of that and chose to capture the King, Agog and bring him back to Israel, alive. Saul’s men plundered the best of the flocks and herds to “offer in sacrifice to God” (1 Samuel 15). Was this what God asked of them? No, it was not. Was this better than God’s plan? No, it was not. Did this put Israel at risk? Oh, yes, yes it did. Yet Saul didn’t see it. He continued to make excuses and offer platitudes. He blame-shifted and spoke bravely and self-righteously. Samuel, the high priest, wasn’t having it, neither was God.
“But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”” I Samuel 15:22-23
Samuel called Saul out on his disobedience and proceeded to tell him that God was grieved that He chose him as King. As a result, God removed His blessing from Saul and chose another to take his place. Saul, in all his efforts to engineer his fame and success had offended and disregarded the One in Whose hands his fame and success were held. He missed the whole point. Saul was God’s servant, a tool to be used to bring Him glory and accomplish His purposes. Yet Saul opted to be his own master and make it look good by offering sacrifices after the fact. Saul did not fear God. He did not respect God. Saul tried to manipulate God, and it didn’t work.
Saul isn’t unlike us, is he? How often do we, or our children, choose to do what WE think is best, ignoring God’s commands and compromising our integrity, morality, and spiritual testimony to satisfy our selfish desires? We think we know better. Do we balk at what God asks of us, instead pursuing an alternative and ‘dedicating it to Him’? Or, in an effort to ‘make up for it’ we offer sacrifices, we ‘do’ things to honor God or ‘give’ to bless Him. Our disobedience and efforts after the fact are offensive to Him. Yet we think we can engineer our life, our choices, and our results. We cannot. God is Sovereign. He is in control. He sees our heart. He sees that we fear failure, suffering, and loss more than we fear Him. He sees that we put more faith in our own efforts and plans than we do His. He sees. He knows. And He will respond.
God saw Saul’s heart. He saw that Saul was more concerned with his own fame and success. His offerings and sacrifices to God were an effort to appease Him rather than an act of worship to bring pleasure and delight to God with a fully surrendered heart. He was not a servant of God but was serving himself. Isaiah 65:5 says, “Such people are smoke in my nostrils, a fire that keeps burning all day.” Their fake sacrifices are a stench, not a pleasing aroma.
Today, it’s time to take stock on what and how you sacrifice to God:
Is our heart surrendered to Him?
Are our motives pure?
Do we ask God to bless our actions after we take them? Or do we search out the heart of God before we act?
Do we consider how our words and actions will testify to our love for and fear of God?
Are we more concerned with honoring Him than with getting the desired outcome for ourselves?
Are we willing to do whatever He asks or do we resist, instead trying to bargain with Him and offer compromises?
Obedience is greater than sacrifice.
Deuteronomy 28 gives a very detailed description of the benefits of obedience and the dangers of disobedience. He wanted Israel to understand the blessings of obedience and to see that they were nothing the Israelites could ensure on their own.
The LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. (Deut 28:1)
You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. (Deut 28:3)
The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. (Deut 28:4)
Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed. (Deut 28:5)
You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. (Deut 28:6)
The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. (Deut 28:7)
The LORD will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The LORD your God will bless you in the land he is giving you. (Deut 28:8)
The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in obedience to him. (Deut 28:9)
Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will fear you. (Deut 28:10)
The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Deut 28:13
Wow! That is a list of blessings that no man could ensure for himself- only God. And all of these blessings were what Saul was longing for, and yet he chose to pursue his own path and ended up losing it all.
When we teach our children obedience, it is not just for their compliance, but for their good, their protection, and their success. As they become adults, we pray they carry those lessons with them. And we pray, too, they understand the value and importance of obedience to God.
Even if obedience does not make sense, we need to remember that God’s ways are higher than our own. His wisdom is eternal, His plan is divine, His methods are not human. We can choose to go our own way and suffer the consequences of faulty, limited, unwise humanity, or we can choose to obey God and rest in His eternal, Sovereign, all powerful ways that will protect us and prosper us according to His will and for His glory. These are good things to remind our sons and daughters.
It’s a hard lesson to learn, isn’t it? Obedience is always more powerful than sacrifice. It carries a stronger testimony and offers Godly protection. Obedience glorifies God. Sacrifice without obedience is a stench.
Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters understand obedience to God and pursue it with their whole heart. “Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him.” Psalm 128:1
“Heavenly Father, You are a good God who asks us to pursue You with our whole heart. You promise blessing and protection in our obedience. I pray that You would surround (name) today and impress upon them a desire to obey You. Please keep them from compromise. Keep them from going their own way and then trying to offer sacrifices to appease Your disappointment and anger. Lord, we cannot bargain with You. That is not how You work. You require our obedience, yet You’ve given us a free will to choose whom we will follow and obey. I pray that (name) would always choose You. Lord, show them the rewards of obedience. When things do not make sense, give them an unshakeable trust in You and Your plan. Help them to rest in the knowledge that You are all-knowing. You are all-powerful. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords, there is none greater, stronger, or wiser and there is salvation in no one else. Jesus, You are the Messiah, our Savior, Redeemer and Friend. I pray that (name) would trust and obey You each and every day. Help me to live a life that demonstrates obedience and surrender to You. I pray these things in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing!