The Lord says:

“These people come near to me with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
is based on merely human rules they have been taught.

Isaiah 29:13

Am I the only person whose prayer life wavers from day to day?

Clinging to God for every breath seems so much more necessary on the dark days.

When things get just a little easier, though,

I lean on myself.

I trust in my own strength.

I rely on my own ability to make decisions…….

THEN SOMETHING HAPPENS.

Part of the world is turned upside down around me, and I find myself crying out more fervently.

I search my phone for the number of someone I can talk to who can comfort me, give me wise counsel; but I know deep, deep inside of me that only God can take these burdens and carry them.

So I pray.

Honest, transparent, raw…

I dump it all out, even though for weeks I’ve kept it all in or only shared it with a few other human beings.

Suddenly, my heart seems drawn straight to the One who made my heart.

He knows me.

He knows everything about the situation I am in the midst of and He cares.

He’s never surprised when things happen.

Nothing catches Him off guard.

So, I turn to Him who already knew to tell Him what He already knows……

and I feel better.

Finally.

Released.

Somewhat free.

Thankful that there is Someone who can take ANY situation and “work it out for good.”

And I realize that every single day of my life, God is working to draw me (and you) CLOSER and CLOSER to Him.

Whatever it takes.

He doesn’t simply want our words to be about Him.

He doesn’t merely want our obedience to His rules.

He wants our hearts.

Fully, completely, surrendered to His plan.

The Bible promises in Jeremiah 29:11 that His plans for us are good……He doesn’t want to harm us. He longs to give us a Hope and a future!

Lord, forgive me for the days when my heart is so caught up in “me” that I don’t reach out to You.

You are my everything.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen

I’m praying for all of you, too. I’m praying that if today is an easy day, you’ll turn to God in praise. If it’s a tough day, I’m praying you’ll turn to God for help. If it’s a lonely day, I’m praying you’ll turn to God for comfort. If it’s a stressful day, I’m praying you’ll turn to God for peace. And no matter, what I’m praying you’ll turn to God in thanks.

All My Love,