Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. -James 5:13 (ESV)
Some of us can say we’ve had to learn the hard way and some that seem to use their head and think things over to make sound choices. I think I fall into both categories. At times, one more than the other or freezing and not making any decision at all. Like a squirrel in the road running back and forth as cars approach, finally, at the last minute, a decision is made to freeze, run right, run left, run somewhere and get hit anyway, or make it to safety.
Being a single mom, making decisions, relying on coffee for the long hours, expending energy on what ifs, or I wish working on a simple task that somehow isn’t simple for me gives me ‘squirrel-itis’, then a lightbulb turns on in my head as the Spirit of God says, “Why don’t you pray about this? You’ve tried everything else.” It’s that simple? I looked up scripture on prayer and this pretty much sums up God’s will for us; “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and
there he prayed.” -Mark 1:35 (ESV)
We might not be able to get up early or find a desolate place, but we can have a conversation with the Lord before our day begins whether we are suffering in any way or are a morning person who happens to wake up cheerful. Whatever happens, God is waiting for us to ask and has given us the opportunity. (Luke 11:9)
“Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” -John 16:24 ESV
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Holy Spirit who helps us, who reminds us to turn to You for wisdom, which You give freely, who intercedes for us when we have no words, who reminds us that this is the day You have made, let us rejoice and be glad in it because You are our hope. (Romans 15:13; John 14:16, 26; Psalm 143:10; Psalm 118:24)
This devotion by author, Terrie Miles, is exclusively and solely shared with permission to New Beginnings Church. Any unauthorized printed reproduction, sharing, or use of this material is prohibited.
