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I don’t always see the difficulties in this life the same way that God does. I see them as struggles – overwhelming waves of attack. I see them through a lens of my feelings. When my feelings are about to spin me out of control internally – you know, feelings of fear, and a multitude of “what if’s” – I know only one way to ground myself. I take them to my Father.

But why do I wait till then? Why do I typically allow myself to get to a point where I am overwhelmed before I take my needs, my hurts, my heart, to God?

Pride? A belief that I am strong enough to overcome on my own (at least to a certain point)? Embarrassment that I can’t handle it?

I’m not sure what the reason is exactly. Most likely it is not a reason, but a combination of reasons.

Yesterday as I was spending time alone with God, I did what has become my usual pattern/routine and I picked up a book my friend Hope has written called “Life As A Prayer.” I was struck by how perfectly timed that days devotion was for me. I’d like to share with you part of her message.

“Be grateful for anything that leads you to God’s feet.” I don’t know about you, but sometimes it feels like God just smacks me upside the head with a “brick from heaven.” This was one of those times. Instead of being worried, or stressed – instead of feeling bitter or frustrated – even angry – why can’t I recognize that the challenges of life often are something that leads me – perhaps even drives me – to the feet of Jesus. There is something beautiful in the hurt. There is much to be grateful for in the midst of the chaos. I have stopped fighting and trying to battle on my own and instead now sit in a closer proximity to my Savior!

“Recognize your need for God in and through everything you face.” My need for God is not just in the bad, it is also in the good. Let’s face it – I need God. All the time. I need Him. Culturally we have been trained not to “need” anybody – but it is time to break that training! We were made to need God. We were made to experience Him and walk with Him through it all. The good, the bad, and the ugly times. Why wait to draw close when the walls are caving in around me? Why wait till I have extinguished all other forms of help before reaching out to Him? He is the One and Only real need we have anyway!

I don’t know what problems you are facing today. I don’t know what is going on. I do know that God’s arms are always open. I do know that He loves you and is ready to have you draw nearer to Him. Psalm 139:17-18 tells us, “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me.” He has such love for us.

As I wrap up my thoughts this morning, I can think of no better way to close than to share Hope’s prayer. Her prayer became my prayer. It was what my heart was needing to express but the words had not yet been formed in me. May they be a blessing to you today, also.

“I will sit with you today, God, because I know you see me, hear me, and know me. I’ll sit with you, because there is peace in your presence. I’ll sit with you even when the right words don’t come to me, because I know you know my heart inside and out. I’ll sit with you because it’s time I recognize prayer as one of the most meaningful gifts you created.” – Amen.

Blessings!