A few weeks ago we talked about prayer, actually about our struggle to pray. So, I’m still thinking about that. Can we talk a bit more?
One of the reasons I think we struggle to pray is that God can sometimes seem quiet when our world seems loud. We can hardly hear ourselves think because of all the noise from our hearts breaking, and from God – we hear crickets.
It’s not always that way but I think we feel it happens way too much for a loving Father, right? We want to look at Him and shout, “Say something, do something, will ya!”
In Lysa TerKeurt’s study, Finding I AM, she mentions something (week four, day two) that just popped off the page for me, “Trust that prayer makes a difference, even when you don’t see the difference.” And then the pop. “It may take a while for you to see God answer your prayers. But don’t miss an ‘in the meantime answer’ you can receive right away.”
In the meantime answer…
Can I tell you that I am smack dab in the middle of needing some answers. I’ll take an “in the meantime answer” cause I’m thinking the clarity I seek will not come in an instant. It won’t be like my coffee in the morning in our Keurig. It will be like that old drip pot my Mom had on the stove when I was a kid. I would have gotten out of the mood for coffee by the time I boiled the water, poured it over the grounds, and waited for it to run through to the pot.
So I’m looking everywhere for my “in the meantime answer” and I remembered the verse Lysa quoted,
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7, ESV
Peace. I need my heart and mind guarded because you are talking to the queen of scenarios and crossing bridges before I get there. Dreaming up some stuff is my gift. This quote from Emily P. Freeman‘s newsletter hit my inbox so timely, “Clarity cannot be rushed. ~Marie Forleo”
It seems to my natural mind that when we need clarity, God picking up His pace in delivering is not a bad thing. In my spirit though I know that timing is everything. I have said before that God doesn’t seem very interested in time, He’s all about timing. That’s all fun and games to say such profound statements until you feel like you are looking out of the dirty eye glasses of a six-year-old boy.
How can we find peace when ain’t nothing peaceful about our situations? This old hymn reminds me of the best way. Enjoy this portion of its anointed words:
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus – Helen H. Lemmel – 1922
Weary and troubled become refreshed and peaceful in the light of Jesus’ love.
Lord, I know it’s not just me. So many of us need clarity, direction, comfort, and most especially peace. Will You help us sense it please? We know it’s there, available. How will our hearts and minds be guarded from panic and anxiety without Your peace? Help us not be so fretful that we can not receive what You freely give. You are our Jehovah-shalom – The Lord is peace. Thank you for sending such a wonderful “in the meantime answer” to our deepest prayers. In Jesus’ sweet name, amen.
Real down to earth writing, Carmen, telling it how it is for most of us! And at the same time, you can always make me laugh – or at least smile. That waiting on the old drip pot coffee example brought a bit of humor to all of us out here waiting on God. Your blog is always a good read and something I can relate to. Thank you for the reminder to just breathe, let go and Trust God’s Timing.
Cathy, you are such an encourager! Thank you for taking the time to stop for a visit. Yes ma’am, breathe. I remind myself of that often! Happy Easter!
Carmen! I miss you friend. Thanks so much for your encouragement today. I was sorry to miss the I AM study, but am just over-committed already, so I really appreciate this post, with it’s nuggets from the book and your wisdom on unanswered prayer. I’ve been wrestling to keep up hope on a prayer that’s not getting the quick answer I’d like. You’re right. Praying is quite different than walking up to a Keurig machine. :)
Dear Betsy, I miss you as well! You speak peace to my soul. So glad you stopped by. xo
Good stuff right there! My word for this year is PEACE. God has been teaching me so much in this area. Thank you for sharing what you’ve learned here, Carmen. Adding it to my arsenal for when I’m tempted to think God is being quiet and my world is loud! <3
Hey Kristine, choosing peace in the noise of topsy turvy life is a challenge! So glad you gleaned some things you can use. xo
I love your insight into this process, Phyllis. As always, your wisdom is of such value to my heart. May you see God’s blessings all around you today!
At least 50% of my prayers are for clarity. And the hardest part is of course, quieting my own mind so that I can hear…so that questions I haven’t asked, perspectives I haven’t thought of, people I can talk to that I have not thought about talking to, can come to mind…so that I can hear God’s guidance and insight. Thinking that I can “willpower” myself to an answer because I want to know NOW, and the ego’s tendency to ruminate VERY loudly, are my usual enemies.
Thank you for the inspiring reminder that we don’t control the timing of the answer; only the consistency of our prayers and how we trust in the meantime.