INSPIRASUNS

There have been times when I have sat down with Father to pray, and I haven’t known where to even begin. Sounds weird, doesn’t it? I mean, you’re talking to God, it seems like a pretty easy thing to do.

Not so much, though, depending on when you are coming to Him. If you are coming to Him after you’ve just argued with someone, or you’ve just had those not-so-kind thoughts. Maybe you’re coming to Him because you feel jealous or resentful. Ya, those are the times when you sit down and have to admit that perhaps you need a little repentance and forgiveness. “But, Lord, it wasn’t my fault, they did this to me”, I have found myself saying to Him as I’ve tried to make excuses for my behavior. Ya, I’m guessing when I do that, the Lord just chuckles. I can almost hear Him saying, “Really, that’s all ya got?”.

When we feel wronged, when we make excuses for our thoughts and deeds, those, in my opinion, are the most difficult times to sit down with the one who loves us beyond understanding. Maybe it’s because, for me personally, I know I’ve not behaved as Jesus asked me to behave. I know that I’m not walking His path.

The good thing is, the Lord, well, He forgives. He listens at those times when we may not know what to say. He knows our heart, truly knows it. So, trying to explain away the behavior is kind of a waste of time. We’re better off just fessing up, and not only asking for forgiveness, but more importantly, asking for the strength to be better the next time. Ask for the patience and guidance to be more like Jesus. It’s not always easy to admit that you didn’t handle something the way you should have. Trust me, I know. But…the asking for patience and guidance, that has become more important to me than making excuses for the behavior 🙂 .

When I’m struggling to find the words during those prayer times, well, I usually start with the Lord’s Prayer. When in doubt, this prayer is always a good starting point.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done, on earth
as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen

Friends, I say it here most days, we’re not perfect, Jesus knows that more than anyone, He died for us. All He wants is a true, honest relationship where He can help us to grow stronger in His love, so that, that love can be shared. Just give Him the anger, the pain, the fear, the sadness, whatever you might be carrying, let Him have it. And…when in doubt, start with His prayer.

Have a good day, friends 🙂 .

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord you God is with you wherever you go.