(I’ve had these verses bugging me, so I’m working through what they mean and how to apply it to my life. Hopefully, some of my musings will speak to and bless you, too.)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV)
So, God, your Word says to “Rejoice always, pray continuously, and give thanks in all things.”
Yep. All those things are good for you. They keep you focused on Me and connected to me.
But I’m really bad at them.
I don’t think you’re bad at them. You don’t use them as much as you could. Like a toothbrush cleans gunk out of your teeth, prayer cleans gunk out of your spirit so you can be healthier.
Hmmmm. I guess I hadn’t really thought of prayer in that way. Prayer just seems like something I can never do enough of – like I never measure up.
Measure up to what? to whom?
All the people who seem to be so connected to you, so able to hear your voice, so wise, so…well, spiritually mature.
And you want that kind of depth, too?
Yes.
The people you are thinking about have spent hours, days, and years talking to me. They have grown to know me more and more though the time they have spent with me in prayer, worship, fasting, service, and fellowship. They have also faced huge battles in their lives that we have fought together. Their “spiritual maturity,” as you call it, has come with an investment in all those kinds of prayer.
So it is too late for me to have that deep fellowship with you?
No, my Child; it is never too late. I am the God who can do ALL things and I will do them on MY timeline. The way you understand prayer and growth and time is limited by your humanity. As you grow to know me you will have a greater revelation of Who I am and how I operate. But, for now, all you need to do is come as you are.
As I am? I’m messed up. I’m frazzled. I’m tired. I know my shortcomings and limitations. Are you sure you want me just as I am?
Child, I know all that already. I created you, I’ve guided you, and, YES! I want you – all of you. There’s nothing about you that surprises me. I’ve told you to come to me when you’re weary and heavy laden and I would give you rest. All I’m asking you to do is take one step toward me. Let me take the next step.
One step?
One step.
This conversation did not go where I thought it would go, God. What is my one step?
(Smiles.) I think you already know, my Beloved One.
God of the Universe,
You have created us with hearts, minds, and spirits that are designed to seek you. Forgive us when we allow our thoughts, our emotions, our perceptions, or our activities to interfere with your call to commune with you. Holy Spirit, help us come to you just as we are, especially when burdened and heavy laden, knowing you will meet us there in that one step. Help us to trust you to love us in the most perfect ways. Help us to trust you to give us our hearts’ desires when we are building relationship with you. Give us a hunger for your Word, for Worship, for Fellowship with you, and for Prayer. Thank you for your mercy and grace in our lives, Lord Jesus. We pray in your name, AMEN.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV)
Delight yourself in the Lord, And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart. (Psalm 37:4 AMP)