CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 993

“Trust at all times”

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. (Psalms 62:5-8)

It has been said that there are no atheists in foxholes. While this maxim may have been formulated during historical world wars, it still has application in today’s society. The point of the saying is that there is a tendency to deny or ignore the existence and presence of God until life circumstances come to bear on us in such a way that we, in our own strength, cannot see a way through. It is not until we are totally without options that we turn to God in desperate prayer.

‘Don’t wander off too far’, the mother calls out to her children as she settles in at the picnic area. They run with excitement to explore their new wooded surroundings. Excitement turns to panic when they suddenly realize that they can no longer see their mother or find their way back.

Many of us, although we do not claim to be atheists, act as if God does not exist or is not present in our lives. Like the children, we run off to experience and take on the challenges of life without the security and presence of God in our hearts. We partake of secret willful sin as if God does not see us. We enjoy prosperity as if it came by our own hand without acknowledging the fact that He is the Almighty God and He alone controls everything. We tackle difficult, problematic situations in our own strength only to become spent and discouraged. Then, like wandering children, we realize we are lost, alone and insecure and it is then that we cry out to God.

Is God an intimate part of your everyday life? Do you acknowledge His presence, love and power every moment of every day? When tempted to sin, do you feel Him nudge you and point out the way of integrity? Do you face each day’s trials with the confidence that comes from a close fellowship and walk with Jesus Christ, with whom nothing is impossible? For nothing will be impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)

If you feel distanced, lost and alone, know that God has not wandered from you. He is ever present and is waiting for you to return. Even if you have wandered far, your Heavenly Father hears you call out to Him and He will embrace you and fellowship with you. Even if you are lost He will find you and lead you to safety.

Resolve to spend time daily in worship and prayer with your Father who will never fail you nor forsake you. Pray continually and acknowledge His presence throughout the day. Draw strength, peace and joy from Him as you face the challenges before you. Trust in Him at all times.

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. (1 Chronicles 29:11-13)