"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 16-18, NIV
Throughout the long year of trying to figure out how I could joint venture with Saving Grace Enterprises I've just known it would eventually happen -all in God's time of course. The past few weeks have been especially trying for both Dee (the owner of Saving Grace Enterprises) and myself. We've felt and had an onslaught of attack coming from the enemy's ranks to try and thwart our mission. Throughout it all, God has shown and directed both of us to pray without ceasing.
When we get busy in our daily lives, it's easy to think "I'll pray later when I am more relaxed" or "less busy" or "not so tired". That "later" usually doesn't happen. If you're feeling the need to pray right NOW and don't, it is really a direct rejection of the Holy Spirit leading you into prayer. He's here to counsel and teach us and if we don't heed His direction, we're not taking full advantage of the privilege we have in prayer because of our Savior's finished work at the Cross and subsequent resurrection.
Prayer isn't only a privilege, it's the power we have in the Holy Spirit. Prayer is direct communication with Omnipotent God. Almighty God! Wow, now think about that. He's listening and He wants to hear from us. God, our God, our huge God Who is so wide, so deep and unfathomable in our finite being! I often think that would be like me desiring a conversation with an ant, lol. It's a good thing God doesn't think like that huh?
God wants to be in contact with us at all times. Paul said to pray ceaselessly. Doesn't that mean pray all the time? Constantly? What God has been teaching me (Dee also because we talk together a LOT), is that He wants constant contact, constant fellowship with us. In my devotional commentary Devotions for a Deeper Life by Oswald Chambers today there was this message to me from God (yep He does talk to us in all sorts of different ways): And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth (Mark 4:5)
".......This kind of self-sympathy, arising from the cares of this life, is carnal. It will kill the Spirit of God within you. Jesus said, 'If you look at your problems instead of Me, the Word will be choked in your heart.' Satan will try his best to have you look at the difficulties of your life. He knows that if he can get your eyes off of Jesus and onto these, he will be able to choke your spiritual life. Have you ever noticed how many times Scripture warns us not to be anxious, not to worry? He tells us to cast our cares upon Him, to trust Him, to wait on Him, and to fret not. May God help us to keep the thorns from growing up in our hearts and choking the Word of God in us!"
One way to always keep our eyes on Him is to be in constant prayer. If we're always praying to God about every single thing in our lives, our eyes won't waiver, nor will our hearts. One thing I'm certain of, this joyous amazing adventure Dee and I are on, while at times unsettling, it's a blast when you just give the reins entirely over to God, keep in constant communication with Him and just enjoy the ride! Pray without ceasing brethren and watch how God responds!
