Isn’t it just amazing when we clearly see God moving and see our prayers answered? I’ve had the honor and privilege of seeing His hand in my life lately. From my battle with anxiety to the financial concern of this missions trip, to relationships starting to heal. All in one week.
But how quickly I can take these blessings for granted, or even forget them. I sat down, unsure of what to write about tonight. I couldn’t think of anything the last several days to write about. Then, as I sat staring at the screen, I heard the word gratitude cross my thoughts. How about focusing on gratitude for a change?
I have so much to be grateful for. A good job, even when I’m tired or stressed or don’t want to deal with certain coworkers or customers. A good car, even when I have to put gas in it or pay insurance. A good family, even when they’re on my last nerve (and I’m probably on their’s!). A healthy body, even when I’m achy or have allergies. The list goes on.
It’s about perspective. I have to choose to look at what God has blessed me with, not the things I’m “missing” or wish I could have, or things I think should be different. Not to mention all of the behind the scenes things that God orchestrates for us. All the times He said “no” because He had better things in His plan for my life and His purpose.
I have to be grateful, even when He says “no.”
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:26-28
He knows our hearts and thoughts. Even when we don’t know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us, and all things work together for us who love God and are walking in His purpose. Sometimes that purpose is unclear. Sometimes we feel like our prayers are hitting the ceiling. We feel like giving up, and just don’t know how to pray anymore.
We are still to be grateful. His “silence” may be an answer to prayer. Sometimes the answer is “no.”
I have found, that if I hit this ceiling, it’s not because God is tired of hearing from me or isn’t hearing me at all, but because I am not praying for His will. Only mine. His answer is a repeated “no.” I have to change my attitude. God is not a magical vending machine in the sky that we can drop a few prayers into and get whatever we want. He knows what is best for us and His plan for our lives. We have to be willing to submit to it. Then our hearts will change to gratitude for the “no” prayers and will encourage us to pray, not just for what we desire, but for what He desires for and from us.
Gratitude is a way of life; not just saying “thanks” when we get what we want, when we want.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18-18
Rejoicing and constant prayer. That is what He wants from us. Even when we don’t know what He is doing- rejoice. Even when it feels like we hit a ceiling- keep praying. He hears you. He loves you. His plan is more amazing than we can comprehend. Live in gratitude for all things. He has a purpose.
