(These verses have been 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.
I don’t think I’m very good at praying.
I don’t think you can be very bad at praying.
What do you mean?
Can you talk?
Yes.
Then you can pray.
Oh. Ok.
Do you know what happens when you talk with me? You get better and better at talking with me. The Holy Spirit I have placed within you will lead you into all Truth. You can’t mess up prayer because I am giving you the words to pray.
Oh! I’d never thought of it in that way.
I saved you, I called you, and I have set you apart to be my own. I put Holy Spirit within you. I am the God of your salvation and when you wait on me I will lead you and teach you. I want to show you my kindness. I want to show you my heart. All you need to do is come to me. Take time with me. Listen to me. Share your thoughts, feelings, hopes, fears, and all the rest with me. Allow me to meet you in those things. Allow me to help you. Allow me to heal you and free you. Allow me to love you.
Pray without ceasing?
Yes, pray without ceasing.
I have a lot of worries and burdens.
I know you do. But you don’t have to keep them. You can give them to me. I have all the time, power, and wisdom in the universe.
Good point.
What are you worried about right now? Bring me that one thing.
My dog. She’s been acting differently and I think she’s thinner.
I love your dog, too. Why don’t you lay hands on her and pray for her healing?
Well…I guess I could! I hadn’t thought of that. I’d considered taking her to the vet.
That’s not a bad idea, either. What else do you have on your mind?
Finances. God, we’re both working hard to bring in income and reduce expenses, but these inflationary policies are really hurting us and it’s stressing us out.
So you’re worried and anxious?
Yes.
Is that something I want for you?
Well, no. It’s not.
Can you add a single hour to your life by worrying?
Uh, no.
You’re doing all the right things from an earthly perspective. Now, pray that I would bless your efforts. Pray that you will trust me with your finances. Pray that I will be Jehovah Jireh and provide for you. Pray that I will give you more ideas for gaining wealth. Pray that I will give you health and energy and wisdom and discernment for all the things you are considering. Keep tithing, keep giving, and see what I will do to provide for you!
Really??
Yes, really. I have a plan and a purpose. If you keep seeking me I will keep providing for you. I love you.
Do you have a plan and a purpose for all the political and economic chaos in the world?
Yes, I do. But that’s a little more complex. I know you cannot fully see or understand what I am doing, and I know it looks really bad from your perspective.
It does. I can’t see any way out of this mess that doesn’t lead to war.
Yes, but I CAN see other ways out of it. I am Yeshua, YHWH, the God who saves, heals, delivers, and helps. I can manage the complexities and mess of your world right now. I will work it out for my Glory and for your good. It may not be in your timetable. I won’t promise you won’t have struggles or even suffering.
I really don’t like struggles or suffering.
That’s because you weren’t designed for them. You were designed for close communion for me, but until you are done in the fallen world, you will have them.
I’ve noticed. It’s hard.
Yes, hard, but be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before the circumstances of your world. I, the Lord your God, go with you. I will not fail you or abandon you. I love you.
So, this is what it means to bring my worries to you?
Yes, my Child. How does it feel?
Oh! I feel lighter – less burdened – more hopeful. Thank you!
Next time you feel a little fear or anxiety coming to harass you, come to me first, when it is tiny. Let’s deal with it when it’s small. Then you don’t have to carry those burdens and feel alone and weighed down.
Sorry, God. Please help me get better at that.
I will, Child. I love you.
God of Peace,
Thank you for saving us, for placing Holy Spirit within us, and for the purposes and plans you have for our lives that are Good. Thank you for your invitation to rejoice, to pray, and to be thankful, for you are our Lord and King. Help us remember to take everything to you so you can save, deliver, heal, and help us. Give us strength and courage in all circumstances, for we know you won’t fail or abandon us. Lead us in your Truth and teach us, for you are our God. We ask these things in Jesus’s name, AMEN.
God saved us and called us to be holy, not because of what we had done, but because of his own plan and kindness. Before the world began, God planned that Christ Jesus would show us God’s kindness. (2 Timothy 1:9 GW)
You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own. (Leviticus 20:26 NIV)
Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. (Psalm 25:5 NKJV)
“Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying?” (Matthew 6:27 GW)
“You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV)
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 AMP)