Many are feeling depressed, helpless and hopeless, in a world that feels much like we've stepped straight into the Twilight Zone. No matter where you live, or what your lot in life is, the issues the world has been facing has affected us all, in one way or another. Just the mere thought of going backwards, with mask mandates, lockdowns, and the ever increasing real threat of mandatory vaccinations is enough to make anyone frustrated, worried and greatly disturbed as to where we are headed. If you are feeling this way, your not alone....but take heart!! There IS something you can do that can change everything!! And that something is PRAYER!!
Prayer is most powerful thing we can do to change our circumstances! Growing up in a Christian household, I have always prayed, but this last year and a half, has been one of the most difficult, and trying times of my life. Not only because of Covid, or my personal health issues I was dealing with, but I lost my precious father through it all. In addition, we lost our sweet little dog one month later, and we lost our business due to shutdowns from Covid. My relationship with God, and communicating with Him became essential for me to mentally survive. I heard this scripture and I began to memorize it, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind have stayed on You, because he trusts in You."-Isaiah 26:3. The more time that I spent in God's word and talking to Him, the calmer my mind became, and the quieter the outside noise around me became, and the fear and anxiety dissipated.
Everyone has their own struggles they are going through, but you do not have to go through it alone! God doesn't want you to ever feel alone. He is always present, and always with you. He is always listening, just waiting for you to talk to him. He knows your personal circumstances and the situation you may find yourselves in. He knows your fears, your pain and he knows exactly what you need. All you have to do is reach out to him. I cannot tell you how many prayers have been answered since I made a decision to make time to talk to God at length each and every day. I started by talking to him when I was on my daily walks. Then I began to learn that others who love the Lord are praying on their knees, or even are on their faces before God. I began making time to go to a quiet place alone and pray, on my knees and then on my face.
When I was little, at bedtime, my parents, my siblings and I would get on our knees together as a family and my father would pray. I can honestly say until recently, that was only a thing of the past, but I have found its easier to pour out my heart to God this way, and to me it truly feels like worship. I am more focused on what I am saying, I don't fall asleep half way through a prayer like I often do if I am tired and praying in bed. I've learned that the position we take before God when we pray actually means something to Him. It is a symbol of humility, and is a symbol of the heart attitude we should have when repenting of our sins when appealing to the Lord for his mercy and forgiveness. Bowing before the Lord conveys an attitude of honor, gratitude and faith. It is a sign of reverence, and an expression of worship.
I highly encourage you to find a quiet, private place and talk to the Lord, even if you haven't talked to Him in a long time. "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut the door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."-Matthew 6:6. But what if you have never talked to Him? Just talk to Him like you would to a loving Father who cares about you and what is happening in your life. That's exactly what he is! He LOVES YOU! He cares about every aspect of your life! If you have children, think about all of the times when they have struggled, what was the first thing you instinctively did? You helped your child right? Well that is exactly what God wants to do for you! He wants to help you through all of life's hardships we are going through! You matter to Him! So much so, that he sent his only begotten Son to die for you...He loved YOU THAT much! "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."-John 3:16. So when your struggling, when your depressed, when your sick, when your hurting, when you have what feels like no way out....HE is your way out!
Sometimes though, when you are so troubled and you don't know what to even say, that okay! Still go before God. He knows exactly what you need then too! In fact, during those times, God tells us what happens when you go to him in prayer..."Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God."-Romans 8:26-27
The Apostle Paul said, " Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Jesus Christ."-Philippians 4:6,7
Even when the whole world seems to be closing in sometimes, prayer will anchor you in your faith in God, and He will walk you through your troubles. As you go to God in prayer, be prepared to begin to feel a bond and a love like you have never known. Prayer can change everything. We truly have SO MUCH to be grateful for. Regardless of what happens here on this earth, it's only temporary. Know that you are not alone, we have our Father and we are in this together. He has given us the most powerful tools to get us faithfully through it all. I pray that you find shelter and comfort from the storm, in Him. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."-Psalms 46:1 Praying for all of you my dear friends! "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you!"-James 4:8
Blessings & Joy
Lisa!
You may enjoy this beautiful melody. Prayer Changes Everything
