Do you smell like smoke?

 (This morning, our pastor preached on the story found in Daniel 3, and I was reminded of something I wrote a few years back. So, here is one from the archives that I pray will be an encouragement to you) 

One of my favourite things to do is to sit around a campfire, the sweet aroma of smoke permeating the air around me, leaving its scent on my clothing and in my hair.

I’m one of those people that will actually look for the smoke to sit in. I want to breathe it in. I want the smell of it to linger on my person long after the fire has died down and the hot coals have cooled and turned to ashes.

Our family have been on many camping adventures and the thought of building a campfire and sitting there staring into the flames or leaning back, gazing into the beauty of the milky way while the smoke trails rise in swirling patterns around me, fills me with great pleasure.

A very, very long time ago, during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, in the book of Daniel, we read of a fire that told an impressive story of God’s Almighty power.

The amazing story of three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who refused to bow to the King’s golden statue, because of their obedience to God, has been told over and over again in Sunday Schools, churches, Youth Groups and the like for centuries.

And one of the most astonishing things about the story, has to do with the smell of smoke.

Let me take you back six years to a time and place where I found myself going through my own fiery trial.

My days were dark, and my nights were even darker. I found myself drowning in a sea of depression and crippling anxiety like I had never experienced before.

For 6 months I fought an internal battle. An unexplained battle with depression, anxiety and panic attacks that literally took my breath away, threatening to take me out completely. They had made themselves at home and nothing I could do seemed to shake it. Everything I tried failed.

And then Jesus came.

Just like in the story of the three Hebrew boys, Jesus stepped in.

As I struggled along, fighting attacks of the devil, fighting within myself, crying out to God, letting my emotions overwhelm me, I began to let the Word of God wash over my soul. I began to read my Bible more. I began to pray like never before. I wrote out countless verses on little note cards and plastered them all over the place. I cried through more worship songs than I can count, I played the piano for our church through tears, eyes closed, the turmoil raging inside of me.

God was trying to bring the impurities in my life to the surface so he could purge them from my life and make me more like him. He wanted to create in me a compassion for others hurting and struggling. He wanted to throw out the critical spirit that I harboured inside and replace it with love.

God was doing a purifying work in my heart. He saw something in me that needed refining. I had to be taken down into the pits of despair in order to rise up in praise, thanking Him for His amazing goodness to me.

In the story of the fiery furnace, we read how that as the boys refused the bow to the golden statue that Nebuchadnezzar had made for the people to worship, he was filled with rage and ordered his men to heat the fire seven times hotter than it was already heated.

And as they bound them and cast them into the fire, the men throwing them in were burned up and perished, and yet, the boys began to walk around in the fire and a fourth man appeared alongside them.

Jesus stepped in.

In their time of dire need, Jesus stepped in. He saw the fire, and he saw their hearts.

And we know the rest of the story. Nebuchadnezzar commanded them to come out of the fire and we see a second miracle happen.

Daniel 3:27 KJV - And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

Now, to me, it is absolutely astounding, firstly, that they made it out of the fire alive, but secondly, that there was no smell of smoke on them at all!

They had not only stood by the fire, but they had been IN the fire and yet the smell of smoke did not even touch their clothes or bodies.

Can I tell you, that although you may be going through difficult times right now and the fire is hot and the smoke is swirling, when you make it through to the other side, (when and not if) and Jesus steps in and rescues you, it will be one thing to come out alive but it will be quite another thing to come out without even smelling like what you went through.

The fire that everyone thinks will destroy you, and tear down your belief and trust in God, can be the thing that makes your faith grow even stronger.

The trials you go through can be the very instrument God uses to change you from the inside out.

Don’t you think that those Hebrew boys went into that fire one way, but came out another? They came out changed. Their testimony grew to a whole new level. Their faith levelled up!

Those looking on marvelled at the strength of their faith and their confidence in God.

Even grand King Nebuchadnezzar himself was so affected that he commanded his people to become worshippers of this God that these boys claimed as their own.

Daniel 3:29 KJV - Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.

When I struggled through my dark days, the fire seemingly hotter than I could bear, instead of destroying my faith, like the Devil wanted it to, it solidified it. It strengthened it. It grew it.

My time of not being okay, changed my heart and set me on a path of soul searching and digging into the Word of God regularly, longing to hear from him. 

Somebody, somewhere, is watching you go through your fire. And when they see you come out, not just alive, but not even smelling like what you just went through, not just alive but more alive than you’ve ever been in your life, they are going to want what you have, and they are going to want to know how to get it.

When Jesus sets you free from what enslaves you or grips your soul, somebody loses. That somebody is the Devil.

The enemy does not want you to be free. He knows that you have the potential to do great things for God and his kingdom when you are freed from what holds you down.

If you let him transform your life and you no longer identify by your pain, the enemy loses.

You have to be bold enough to say, “Jesus came into my story, he redeemed me, he pulled me from the fire, and I’m going to keep sharing it because I want other people to be free.”

Let your testimony of God’s goodness be a shining light to all those you come in contact with. Don’t let even the hint of the smell of smoke linger on you.

Come out alive. Come out stronger. Come out with an unshakeable faith. Come out with a powerful confidence in God that can’t be moved. Come out CHANGED!

I am not the same person I was six years ago. I now get excited about my past victories and long to share them with others every chance I get.

You never know what an encouragement you might be to someone in a dark place, longing to know if there is hope and life after pain.

Let me tell you, from someone who has been there and come through and up into the light, there is life after pain and hurt and depression and anxiety.

God has given me new breath in my lungs, a new song in my heart, new promises to hold to, and a thankful spirit that wants to shout his praises for all to hear.

You don't have to smell like the smoke of the fires you’ve 

been through!

Psalm 145:2 Every day will I bless thee;

 and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAND IT OVER!

 

 

Floods. Rain. Potholes. Impassable roads. Power outages. Mud. Mosquitoes. Humidity. Loss.

It seems that in many parts of Australia right now, this has become the norm.

 

We, here in Katherine, have not been immune to the disasters so many are facing. The past couple of weeks have been interesting to say the least.

 

If you read the news at all, you will know that our little town was hit by a flood 2 weeks ago, and we are currently, thanks to Cyclone Narelle, on the verge of a second one, possibly bigger than the last.

 

As devastating as this has been for many people, I didn’t come on here to talk of floods. But I did want to mention them in leading up to what God has put on my heart to share.

 

I’m sure you are all familiar with Philippians 4:6?

 

Philippians 4:6 KJV - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 

A couple of years back, in our Ladies Bible Study, we took just over 10 months to work our way through the book of Philippians, verse by verse, word by word. It was such a blessing to dig into the book so intensely and we all learned so much through studying it. But, for me personally, chapter 4 was the ultimate highlight, so much so that I am in the albeit slow process of memorizing it. It is so full of treasures and exhortation and comfort.

 

When we come to verse 6, we are met with an all too familiar phrase and well memorized verse.

“Be careful for nothing”.

 

Some of your translations will read, “be anxious for nothing” and I think that the word anxious is a word that resonates so strongly with us as it holds more meaning in our modern understanding.

 

When you read this phrase, have you ever gotten just a little frustrated with Paul because, I mean, seriously, “don’t be anxious”?? What is even meant by that? Are we supposed to never have a care in the world? Are we never to be bothered with worry?

 

Look with me at how the word is defined in the Greek text.

 

The word “careful” is the Greek word merimnao. Ok, so what, you say. Stay with me. This word doesn’t just mean, anxious, distracted, worried, troubled, concerned. It doesn’t mean to never feel stress or never worry.

 

This particular word literally means to be pulled in different directions. It means to be mentally divided. It means half in today, half in tomorrow.  

 

When anxiety grips our soul, we are pulled in different directions. So, Paul was telling his readers not to have a divided mind. Not to allow themselves to be pulled in different directions. He wasn’t telling them never to have a worry or care. He was reminding them to stop living tomorrow today.

 

Something I read recently really convicted me and hit home a little too hard.

“Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it”

 

OUCH!

 

Anxiety says, “I have to figure it out”

Prayer says, “Hand it over”

 

So, what does this mean?

 

The antidote, the cure, to anxiety, is NOT calm. IT IS SURRENDER!

 

Yeah, I know. Hard right?

 

This is something I struggle with on a daily basis. If I’m being completely honest, I think I’m a bit of a control freak. I find it really hard to let go. I find it hard to surrender my will. And I find it hard to release control, loosen my grip, and rest in the Lord, in the full sense of the word.

 

But I’m here to give you some really good news. The verse doesn’t end at “nothing”.

It ends with prayer. Prayer, petition, thanksgiving. Go ahead, read it again. I’ll wait.

 

Philippians 4:6 KJV - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 

If you’re struggling with anxiety today, as you face life’s difficult circumstances, there is a process and maybe you’re skipping it.

 

Often, we use prayer as our last resort. When we have exhausted all our options, leaned a little too hard on our own understanding, tried walking uphill through the mud in a blinding thunderstorm.

 

Why? Why? Why? Why do we continue in our determined efforts to ‘fix’ it ourselves?

 

We need to read the end of the verse. Do you see that little word, ‘but’? Now, I’m no grammar student, but I do know that this word is a powerful conjunction, that in the Word of God introduces contrast and divine intervention. It often marks a pivotal moment. And here in this verse we see that we are told, don’t be anxious, but – and here is the answer! Prayer!

 

Did you know that you can’t just think your way out of something? Who’s tried it? Does it work? Nope. Not for me either.

 

You can’t think your way out of it; you have to pray your way through it! And you are promised verse 7.

 

Philippians 4:7 KJV - And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

That’s right. We are promised peace. And not just any peace, but a peace that is beyond human comprehension! That means it won’t make sense to you. It won’t make sense that you can be in such trying times and yet, still have peace!

 

Let’s just backtrack a little to a needed order. How do we do it? How do we remain stayed? Not pulled in different directions. By prayer. Firstly, prayer.

 

Not firstly, going to others. Not firstly, trying to fix it ourselves. No. Going to God first. Through prayer and supplication. This has to do with asking in sincerity. Bringing our requests to God. And then, after our asking, thanksgiving.

 

If you know me at all, you knew I’d end up here. GRATITUDE IS KEY!

This is the important piece of the puzzle. Don’t just take my word for it. Look for yourself. The scripture is full of exhortations to be grateful. (Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:15-17)

(If you would like to read more on this subject of how the brain works in relation to anxiety and gratitude then please read this post.... FLIP THE SWITCH)

 

Practically speaking, Philippians 4:6 gives us a model for how we should deal with our anxiety. Now, I know there are many facets to dealing with anxious thoughts, and I have written and spoken about them many times, but I think what we have in this verse is a simple, laid out formula for peace.

 

First, we reject worry. (make it a point to take your thoughts captive, name them, see them for what they are, and then reject the lies- 2 Corinthians 10:5)

Second, we ask God for what we need. (Pour out your heart to him and specifically name what it is you desire- don’t be afraid to be honest with God)

Third, we take time to be thankful. (Spend time praising him and thanking him for what he has done and is doing in your life and be grateful for all his blessings – be specific!)

Finally, we rest in him, knowing that he will bring the peace we need. (Surrender to him)

 

We are not anxious because life is hard. We are anxious because we are still trying to hold onto it.

 

What are you carrying right now that you need to give to God? Ask yourself the question, “Did my heavenly Father ask me to carry this?” And if he didn’t, then surrender it. Lay it down.

 

Don’t continue to be pulled in different directions. Surrender. Stop trying to control. Trust in God’s plan. Trust his hand. Rest in him.

 

One of the hardest parts of our faith is not believing. It’s surrendering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to School

 

For those of you who know me well, you will know that I should have been a doctor.

Now, this is not for the reasons you may think. I have no great skill or knowledge in the medical field. No. I should have been a doctor because my handwriting skills surpasses any doctor’s penmanship.

That’s right. I have very messy handwriting. This is why I type most everything I can. But in saying that, I have filled numerous notebooks with quotes, verses, book summaries etc with chicken scratchings that somewhat resemble a form of handwriting. No matter how hard I try, my hand scribbles so fast to keep up with my overactive thought processes and the result is an untidy page that I hope someone besides myself can read and understand.

Okay, so why am I talking about this, you wonder?

I grew up in the analogue age. The age when all schoolwork was done with pen and paper. The dog really could chew up your homework. Phone numbers were compiled in a large book that everyone had access to. Letters were written by hand, mud maps were hastily scribbled on a scrap of paper and mobile phones, Bible apps and iPads were nowhere to be seen. We’ve come a long way since then.

Believe it or not, these tools of years gone by might be just the thing to freshen up your time with the Lord this year.

How long has it been since you took the time to hand write out a passage of Scripture? How long has it been since you wrote a verse on a piece of card and hung it up where you could regularly see it?

Do you know why I’m so passionate about this? It’s not because I have lovely penmanship, because we’ve already established the fact that I don’t! (Just ask my family if you want proof). The reason I’m so passionate about handwriting the words we read in our Bibles is because it does something for you that no amount of Bible app reading, or even physical Bible reading will do.

Stay with me while I just nerd out on this topic for a bit.

Studies have found that handwriting, compared to typing, (which by the way, I’m doing right now) results in more complex brain connectivity patterns which in turn enhances learning and memory.

A study done by one research group studied 36 students to compare brain activity while writing by hand and typing. They used EEG data (electroencephalogram- a test that measures electrical activity in the brain) to come to some interesting conclusions.  

They found that “Handwriting, whether in cursive on a touchscreen or traditional pen and paper, activated extensive brain regions, vital for memory and learning”.

They found that connectivity of different brain regions increased when the participants wrote by hand, but not when they typed.

They also found that the students learnt more and retained more information when they took handwritten notes as opposed to typed notes.

Okay, back to the Bible.

A few years back, I decided that I would become more intentional in writing Scripture and I purchased some hard cover books that were specific books of the Bible in an empty lined notebook. In these I could write out, word for word, letter by letter, every jot and every tittle, the words of Scripture.

Now, I will admit, I haven’t made huge progress in writing out the whole Bible, which I never set out to do, but I have written a fair amount.

So why in the world would I do this when I have access to as many Bibles as my bank balance will allow me to purchase, at my very fingertips?

I want to give you some reasons for why handwriting the Word of God is important and let you come to your own conclusions (after giving it a try, of course).

One of the first things you’ll notice when you begin to write out passages of Scripture is that it helps you slow down and soak it in.

As I write, I am focusing on each word as I read it and write it down. I look from the pages of my Bible to the pages of my notebook. There are no annoying pop-up messages, no ads, no email notifications. The distractions fall away and my mind is engaged in an intentional way.

You know how it is as you read your Bible. As you read, you often find your mind wandering. Thoughts come flooding in and before you know it, you suddenly realise that you have no idea what you’ve been reading for the past 5 minutes. Anyone relate?

The simple act of writing out what you’re reading helps you to stay focused.

Another thing that handwriting the Bible does is that it forces you to slow down and observe more. So not only are you soaking it in, but you are observing more of what the passage says. You begin to see repeated words or phrases, because your hand is performing the same movements and as you read and write the repeated words, you begin to notice why the word is used and how it is used.

As you write, you see words you may not understand and these stay in your mind more than when you just skim over them in a cursory reading.

Handwriting Scripture also strengthens the learning process and is helpful for all learning preferences.

We all learn differently, but for the most part, we all have a preference for how we receive and pass on information.

If you are a visual learner, then seeing the passage as you write it helps you to retain it. Using different coloured pens or highlighters will be beneficial to you. Seeing the words come to life on the page will hit the spot for you.

If you are more of an auditory learner, then don’t think I’m going to let you off the hook. I’ll bet that you hear the words in your mind as you write them. Better still, read them aloud or mumble them under your breath as you pen them down.

And if you’re a kinaesthetic learner that learns more through experience and doing, then this is right up your alley, because the simple act of moving the pen on the paper, the slight arm movements, the page turns, the fingers loosening and tightening on the pen will help to imprint the words on your heart.  

It is well documented that writing by hand stimulates neural activity in the brain which encourages creativity and enhances brain health.

So, writing out Scripture is not only good exercise for your mind and heart, but it is also great for your brain!

You retain a lot more of what you read when you physically write it out. Why do you think it is that back in my primary school days we were forced to write 100 lines of “I will not talk in class”? (And yes, I did say WE). Why did our teachers force us to do this? Because they knew the power of writing and retaining information. They hoped that the physical act of writing repeated phrases would help reinforce the rule we had disobeyed.

This is one of the reasons handwriting out verses, over and over, that you are trying to memorize is so beneficial.

There are so many benefits to handwriting the Word of God, but I’ll just give you one last one.

Writing Scripture leaves a legacy. A handwritten Bible or portions thereof, leaves a very tangible legacy of faith.

Whether you choose to write a different passage of Scripture each day, or just your favourite verses. Whether you write them on a greeting card or in a notebook, or on a post it stuck to the wall, it’s the process itself that is most important.

Can you imagine if you made your own copy of a book of the Bible, how precious it would become to your children or grandchildren, passed down from generation to generation?

But I want you to know this. Simply reading or writing Scripture will not make you a better Christian. If you do not read, obey, apply and share what you read, then the only benefit is your brain health. And what God is most interested in is our heart health.

In the Old Testament we read of the laws of God and how the Jewish people were told to ‘write them on the posts’. I’ll leave you to do your own study on what a Mezuzah was and the meaning behind the command given to them. Needless to say, God saw it as important, and so should you.

Deuteronomy 6:9 KJV - And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

The word ‘write’ is found 91 times in the Bible. It’s an important part of God’s Word.

Can I challenge you if you have never written the Word of God by hand, with pen and paper, then start today!

Start with your favourite verse or passage. Grab a notebook or a piece of card. Sit down and soak in the Words of Scripture. Observe as you write. Read aloud as you write. Listen to what you’re reading. Slow down. Take it in. Meditate on it.

Joshua 1:8 KJV - This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Be intentional.

Be thoughtful.

Be disciplined.

 

 

 

 

If Only I Had……………………

 

As I sit here tonight, listening to the rain pouring down, forming rivers along the driveway and sending waterfalls cascading from the rooftops, I read a phrase on my computer screen that stops me in my tracks.

“I could be happy, if only I had………..”

What a slap in the face!

For the past couple of weeks, I am sad to say that I have not been the most grateful person out there. Me, who continually harps on the importance of gratitude in one’s life to anyone who will listen, sitting here with the realisation that I am guilty of harbouring an ungrateful spirit.

I have been living with an attitude of discontent for so many weeks that is has almost become the norm. And that is NOT okay.

The first thing that came to my mind when I read the phrase tonight, was TIME. If only I had more time. If only I didn’t have to spend so much time working outside the home. If only I had more time. If only I didn’t have to spend so much time on the paperwork. If only I didn’t have so many commitments that kept me from what I want to do. If only I had more time.

Now, the things on my to-do list are not sinful. They are not wrong. They are good things. And some of them are the best things. Things like focusing on my relationship with the Lord through intense times of study and reading and prayer. Things like spending more time with my grandchildren. More time in my home cleaning, cooking and serving my family.

The problem is my focus. My focus is off. I am so concerned with the lack of time and the things I wish I had, that I have begun to forget what I DO have.

I have begun to forget the things I need to be thankful for.

Now, I don’t have any trouble at all staring into the clouds watching the sunset over the horizon and thanking God for it. I don’t have any trouble at all gazing at a lone flower nestled among the weeds and praising God for his marvellous creation.

But what I do struggle with is the mundane. The ordinary. The hard. Life. Life in general.

A long time ago I read a quote by an author, and it has often come to mind and pricked my heart with guilt because of how I sometimes behave.

“When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty, my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup”

What does it take for circumstances to steal my joy? Do I depend on what goes on around me for my happiness? Do I see my cup as half-empty or half-full? Pessimist or optimist?

Shouldn’t I just be thankful I have a cup!

I decided to read over some of my old posts on the subject of gratitude to give my heart a little talking to and let’s just say, I needed the lecture!

Here’s another quote that totally wrecked me and literally made me gasp aloud.

“What if everything I complained about today, was taken away tomorrow?”

Go back and read that one again.

Think about that for a moment. Just sit with it. Lock it in. Process it.

What if all those things you and I grumble about, all those moments that annoy, all those things that frustrate you, all the hard things, everything that causes you to complain, what if it was taken away?

Now, if you don’t think seriously, you might think, “great, good riddance”.

But wait. Stop. Think. Long and hard.

That long, hard day at work, means you have an income, whether great or small, that allows you live with a roof over your head and food on the table. Granted, it may not allow you to take yearly holidays to the Bahamas or in my case, into the wild outback taking in the great expanse of country and sky that is available in this amazing country of ours. But you have what the Bible says we can be content with.

1 Timothy 6:8 KJV - And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

The dishes in the sink mean you’ve eaten a meal. The clothes in the laundry basket mean you have more than one outfit to choose from. The fridge that always seems to need cleaning out means that you have more food than the vast majority of people in other countries.

The husband that you complain about not pulling his weight with the chores around the house, or working long hours, or the children that never seem to be able to pick up after themselves.

If all that you complained about was taken away, what would you have left?

Food for thought.

I know that I have been thoroughly convicted tonight about all that I have to be thankful for. Yes, they are hard things. Do I wish things were different? You bet I do! Do I wish I had more time? You bet I do!

But while I’m wishing my days away, so is the time slipping through my fingers.

This past week it has been impressed upon me once again, that not only has God given everybody on this earth the same 24-hour days, but that he also expects us to use them wisely. (Ephesians 5:16)

I can’t change the circumstances I find myself in at this present season of life, but what I can change is my attitude!

Like I just told a friend of mine, I need an attitude adjustment!! A gratitude adjustment if you will!

I need to stop thinking that if only I had such and such, I would be happier. If only my life was different, I could live with more gratitude. No.

We all know that we shouldn’t let circumstances dictate our joy. Our joy should come from Christ. He is to be the source. He is the well-spring that we should be drawing from.

So, let it be known, I have been thoroughly chastised by the Word of God and his commands to be thankful, not just FOR all things (Ephesians 5:20), but IN all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

It is God’s will that we be thankful. And it is our responsibility as Christians to do the will of the Lord. We don’t have to search the scriptures and spend hours praying for Gods’ will in relation to this, when it is so clearly stated. Give thanks. It is the will of God.

True gratitude is not something that comes naturally, nor is it something that is given to us at salvation. No. It is a choice. In order for you to experience joy, you have to make a choice, A choice to be thankful. A choice to praise.

The journey to joy is not by getting something that we don’t have, but rather, by appreciating and being thankful for the things we do have.

So, whatever it is that you’re struggling with being thankful for, take a moment to think about what would happen if it was taken away.

Maybe, you, like me, need a GRATITUDE adjustment.

Psalm 106:1 KJV - Praise ye the LORD.

 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 Rough around the edges – but it’s okay

Have you ever been guilty of thinking that God only hears you when you speak in ‘stained glass sentences? Like he only hears the prayers that use ‘church language’. Or that you have to pray in King James Version speech? (Please don’t cancel me for saying that. I am not dissing the King James Version. But you know what I mean.)

Sometimes we can overthink our prayers and worry that they are not Christian sounding enough or not spoken in appropriate ‘God language’.  

I think new Christians often struggle with these thoughts and feel intimidated when they hear an eloquent prayer spoken by someone who has walked with Christ for a long time.

(Spoiler alert. Not all eloquent prayers come from a heart of humility.)

But what happens when our prayers sound like a sigh?

What if they sound like a sob?

What happens when all there is, is anger, hurt and frustration?

What if all we have is questions?

What do we do when we don’t know how to phrase the thoughts that swirl within us?

I want to be an encouragement today to those of you that struggle with feeling like you’re not ‘praying right’.

Who was it that made you? Who was it that formed you in your mother’s womb?

God. God made you. God formed you.

So, don’t you think that because God made you then he can understand you?

He understands your language of prayer.

He understands your prayers, whether all he hears are sobs and the sound of tear drops spilling onto the floor or the quick intakes of breath as you gasp for air.

He understands your prayers if they are full of pain. Full of heartache or frustration.

He understands prayers of brokenness. Psalm 34:18 KJV - The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

He understands your prayers if all he ‘hears’ is silence.

There have been times in my life when I couldn’t pray. All I could do was cry. And so, my prayers were simply tears. He cares about them too. (Psalm 56:8). They are a language he understands.

If God can speak light into darkness, and he can, and he did, then he can hear you in your darkness.

God is the master of all languages. He understands them all.

He understands the language of grief. The language of sorrow, happiness, disappointment, joy, depression, anxiety.

And when we don’t have the words to express what we’re feeling inside, instead of condemning us, the Holy Spirit comes alongside us and provides strength, guidance and His comforting presence. But that’s not all!

The Spirit intercedes for us with ‘groanings that cannot be uttered’.

Romans 8:26-27 KJV - Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

In other words, he prays on our behalf. When we have no words, he speaks for us.

He translates what is in our hearts and brings them to the Father.

When you come to realise that God understands you, no matter how your prayers come out, when you realise that he can interpret your language, then you can live with the freedom to come as you are.

To pray prayers that are not polished. Not edited. Prayers that are broken, hurting, disappointed, confused, frustrated. Prayers that are not grammatically correct. Prayers that are not fully formed sentences. Prayers that are interrupted by tears.

You no longer have to pretend you’re okay. You don’t have to ‘man up’, wipe away the tears, clear your throat and speak.

No. Just bring your mess.

Bring your brokenness.

And lay it before him.

Those who draw near to God will find him drawing near to them. (James 4:8)

He hears you.

He understands you.

He can translate your language. You don’t have to copy and paste someone else’s. You can speak to him in the language of your heart and he will hear. He will understand.

So, quit trying to keep it polished. Just be real. Be raw. Be unfiltered.

Come to him in humility. Come to him broken and watch him put the pieces back together again.

Speak your language. Listen. Obey. And watch him answer!

Ephesians 3:20-21 KJV - Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

He Hears Me

Here I am again, down on my knees
And with every pleading word, Thy comfort I seek
Though the words are slow to come
My thoughts are racing by
Peace fills the room, Thy spirit is nigh

He hears me
When I'm crying in the night
He hears me
When my soul longs to fight
Till the morning will come
And the light of the dawn reassures
He hears me

Any hour, wherever I may be
In the silence of an empty room, or on a crowded street
Whether offering thanks, or in urgency I pray
I never go unnoticed, I'm never led astray

He hears me
When I'm crying in the night
He hears me
When my soul longs to fight
Till the morning will come
And the light of the dawn reassures
He hears me