Prayer.

It’s our direct line to God.

Sometimes, however, I feel like my prayers just hit the ceiling and go no further. My pleas seem to be tossed about in the storm of doubt and despair. There are times when I wonder if God really does hear my prayers.

I ask. I beg. I plead. Yet so many times I hear nothing but painful silence. Have you experienced this?

Let me share a story about Daniel. Cyrus was the king of Persia. During this time, Daniel had seen a vision about a great war. He mourned because of this horrific revelation. For 3 weeks, he fasted and prayed. He chose not to eat any choice food or drink. On the 21st day of his fast, something strange happened:

“I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of the finest gold around his waist. His body was like chrysolite, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude” (Daniel 10:5-6).

An angel of the Lord had appeared to Daniel. The young prophet trembled and shook at the sight of this heavenly being. What is more amazing is what the angel said:

“Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them” (Daniel 10:12).

Did you catch that? “Since the first day . . .” Daniel’s words were heard by God on the first day he started praying and seeking God, yet there was no response for 21 days. Why? Read the next verse:

“But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia” (v. 13).

There was a war going on–a spiritual war. Heavenly forces were fighting to answer Daniel’s prayer. It wasn’t that God took three weeks to answer. God heard him on the very first day, but the supernatural struggle in the unseen world was holding back Daniel’s answer to prayer.

When you pray, remember the following:

1. When prayed with humility, your prayers are heard the first day you pray them.

2. Spiritual resistance is real.

We are in a heavenly battle. The enemy wants us crippled by anxiety and fear. Let me encourage you to “set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before God”. Then, be patient and steadfast in prayer, and your answer will be sent from heaven to earth.

Prayer: Father, thank you that you hear my prayers. Remind me to pray continually, never losing heart, patiently awaiting your perfect answer in your perfect time.

My shirt was drenched with sweat. It was supposed to be a friendly, Saturday morning get-together with some people from church, but this three-on-three basketball game was rough. I didn’t know all of the best players would show up.

We only played about an hour and a half, but it was still an hour and a half too long for my weary body. The bumps, jolts, slaps and body slams took their toll on me physically. I needed rest.

When we finished playing, I glanced around quickly for a place to sit. The bench looked so inviting. As I sat down, my legs quivering, I sighed deeply. Ahh!

Rest is such a wonderful thing. Rest from a rugged game of basketball. Rest from a long day at work. Rest from a hectic schedule of activities and commitments.

What about rest for your soul? Rest from the intrusive thoughts and fiery darts of the enemy? Rest from the tug of war between fear and faith?

When you wrestle with fearful thoughts, your mind grows weary. Your emotions are tossed about like a rowboat in a raging storm. Is there rest? Is there peace?

“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.” (Psalms 62:1)

There is a secret place where your soul can find rest. It’s not a physical place–it’s a place where your Father waits for you. A place where God will wrap his arms around you and hold you close. It’s a supernatural place.

In this place, there is an indescribable peace. A peace that no matter what happens, God is there with you with his arms embraced tightly around you.

Trust is the key that opens the door to the secret place–to the quiet place where your soul can find rest. Open up your heart for God’s loving embrace. He will keep you from harm, as long as you trust him.

Prayer: Father, my body, mind and soul are exhausted from daily battles. I have tried to find rest on my own, and yet I still feel drained. Help me to trust you more, unlocking the door to my heart, so that you can take me to that secret place of rest.

Moses and the children of Israel had wandered around in the wilderness and camped out in the desert long enough. The time had come for them to cross over into the Promised Land.

For 40 years, they had been fed heavenly bread called manna every morning. They didn’t plant. They didn’t harvest. God sent them nourishment supernaturally. Each day, they followed a cloud of glory by day and the fire of God by night. Each day, Moses would speak to God for the people, and God would speak to the people through Moses.

His provision . . .
His protection . . .
His presence . . .
. . . were obvious every day.

However, once this new generation of people crossed over the Jordan, there would be no more manna, no more fire by night or cloud by day. Moses would no longer speak to God for them. It represented a new era of his provision, protection and presence. The Israelites had to simply trust God in this new land of Promise.

Moses instructed the people, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

These words ring true for everyone battling fear and panic. Our land of promise, our land of peace, lies before us. As we step across the river, there will be giants; there will be battles; there will even be set backs. We must be strong and of good courage. Why? Because God goes with us. He will not leave us nor forsake us.

Be of good courage for your Father goes with you.

Prayer: Father, I believe that you have prepared a place of peace for me. Help me to be strong and courageous, trusting that you will journey with me and fight the fear for me. Lead me to the Promised Land as you led the children of Israel.

In a land full of wickedness, where Ahab reigned with Queen Jezebel at his side, it had not rained in three and a half years. The prophet Elijah summoned 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah to meet him on Mount Carmel. There he challenged them to choose a bull, place it on the altar and call down fire from their gods. “The god who answers–he is God” (1 Kings 18:24).

After the evil prophets chose their bull and prepared their sacrifice, they prayed for fire from heaven. There was no answer. No fire. No display of power. Hours went by. They were crying out, screaming to their gods, even cutting themselves. Nothing.

Then, Elijah called the people together. He built an altar and placed the sacrifice on it. He prayed to God to answer by fire. “Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench” (1 Kings 18:38).  God demolished the entire altar with an instant flash of lightning.

At this point, Elijah and his people gathered the 950 prophets and executed them. Following the mass execution, Elijah ran back to the palace. In fact, he outran all the king’s horses. But when he arrived, he found that Queen Jezebel was furious because of what happened at Mount Carmel and had ordered him executed just as her prophets had been. Elijah had just experienced a miraculous demonstration of God’s power, but listen to how he responded to the queen’s death sentence:

” . . . he arose and ran for his life . . . he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, ‘It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!’” (1 Kings 19:3-4).

What discouragement! What despair!

If God could demonstrate his power in such a mighty way, could he not also protect Elijah? So why was he so discouraged? First of all, he was probably exhausted after building an altar, calling down fire from heaven, killing 950 prophets and outrunning the king and his chariots. Secondly, he listened to the threats of a person, rather than trusting God.

When you are down and discouraged, cry out to God. Ask his Holy Spirit to encourage and empower you. God will always be faithful. God…encourages those who are discouraged (2 Corinthians 7:6a).

Prayer: Father, like Elijah I am battle-worn, drained from daily activities, fatigued from fighting this fear. Allow me to rest in your presence, renewing my strength, reviving my faith. Let me not lose confidence in your mighty power.

In today’s society, a person’s promise has lost its power. Contracts and legal documents have replaced promises. No more handshakes. No more verbal agreements. Why? Because so many people have come to a place where they cannot trust a person’s word–a person’s promise.

A few months ago, I was having some work done on my car. I wanted to pick it up before they closed, but I didn’t have my checkbook. I couldn’t pay until the next day. I thought, “I wonder if they’d let me have my car now and take my word that I will pay tomorrow?” Then, I had to laugh, Yeah, right!

Why is that? Has the world become so hardened to the power of a promise? Probably. Does that mean everyone breaks his or her promises? No.

But the world tells us, “No one can be trusted–not even God.”

Promises are only as dependable as the character of the person making the promise. If Jesus had some car work done in your shop and asked you if he could take the car home now and pay tomorrow, could you trust him?

If God promises you that he will take care of you, can you trust him? I challenge you today to trust God with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5). Trust him with something for which you’ve never trusted him before. Maybe it’s finances. Maybe it’s going to the shopping mall for the first time in years. Whatever it is, trust him. Let him reveal his faithfulness to you.

God keeps his promises.

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20a).

Prayer: Father, help me to trust your promises. Help me to see that your promises are “yes” and “amen” in Jesus’ name! Show me that you can be trusted when you make a promise.

“Once you lived in the dark, but now the Lord has filled you with light. Live as children who have light. Light produces everything that is good, that has God’s approval, and that is true. Determine which things pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the useless works that darkness produces. Instead, expose them for what they are. It is shameful to talk about what some people do in secret. Light exposes the true character of everything because light makes everything easy to see. That’s why it says: Wake up, sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. So then, be very careful how you live.”

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

While teaching elementary school, my wife told me about a student she had been working with. He wasn’t a serious troublemaker, but because of emotional battles at home, he continually faced disciplinary struggles at school.

One afternoon, my wife and I were at the movies. As we walked out of the theater, up runs this little boy and hugs my wife.

“Hi Mrs. Pond! Did you like that movie?” I watched as they chatted and swapped smiles.

As we climbed into the car, an overwhelming wave of compassion hit me. I wept and wept. I couldn’t help it. I kept telling my wife, “It’s not his fault. It’s not his fault.” It was as if God was allowing me to feel the emotional pain this little boy had experienced.

What I experienced that afternoon was just a taste of the compassion God has for each of us. He knows exactly what we are going through. He hurts when we hurt. It pains him to see us struggle. But, our Father doesn’t just stop at compassion. He is moved to act upon that compassion by comforting you.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”1

This scripture has become my mission statement in life: to comfort people with the comfort I myself have been comforted with.

When I saw that little boy, I wanted to find out how we could get more involved with his life. I wanted him to know that people love him and care about him. I was moved with the compassion to act.

God is moved by his compassion towards you. Do you hear your Father’s heart? Do you hear him weeping with you? Do you hear him celebrating your victories with you? Ask him. You will hear that still, small voice say, “I am.”

Prayer: Father, I know that you care so much for us, your children. Help me to see others through your eyes–eyes of compassion. Help me to get involved when possible to help those who are in need. I desire to be moved with compassion.

“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you” (Deuteronomy 5:16).

Some of us have had wonderful, supportive parents. Others, abusive parents. Some parents have played an active role in our lives. Some, a passive role. For some of us, talking about parents brings up comforting childhood memories. For others, the memories are stained with pain and rejection.

This command from Deuteronomy is listed as one of the Ten Commandments. Ephesians 6:2 tells us that this is the first commandment with a promise. What is that promise? “…that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:3).

If this promise is true, then the opposite is also true–that is, if we dishonor our mother and father, then it is possible that all may not go well and our life may be shortened.

“But you don’t know what my father has done. My mother abandoned me as a child, and I can’t honor her. I had no real parents,” you may say. Bitterness towards anyone–especially parents–can destroy the soul.

My relationship with my father was a rocky one for years. As I completed high school, my rebellion reached a peak. College for me was: “See ya, Dad!” I was ready to explore the “real world.” And did I ever!

Yet, the bitterness in my heart towards my father grew and grew, and I blamed him for my panic attacks. “If only he had loved me and raised me right…” I was so ungrateful. I took advantage of him and the things he did for me.

Soon, I came to realize that my dad did the best he could. He loved me in his own way. After my little boy was born, I quickly learned that being a father is no small task. I began to see all the things my father had done for me. To show him how much I appreciated this, I wrote him a letter apologizing for taking him for granted and for dishonoring him.

I overcame a lot of bitterness to settle things with my dad. It wasn’t easy, but I know that God granted me the strength to make it through. And, God desires to help you as well. Let God be your new Father. Let him help you resolve situations with your earthly parents. He will show you how to honor them and respect them.

Prayer: Father, if there is any area of my life in which I have dishonored my parents, I ask you to forgive me. If possible, show me how I can restore a right relationship with them. If not, then show me how to receive your grace so that I can find healing. Give me the strength to achieve this that all may go well with my family and me and that my days may be long.

A few years ago, I was selected for jury duty. I wasn’t too excited about the idea, but I enjoyed watching, learning and being a part of the judicial system.

The relationship between the defendant and his lawyer particularly amazed me. The lawyer did all the talking, negotiating, persuading and decision-making. The defendant just sat there while the lawyer did all the work.

That’s what I see Jesus doing in heaven right now for each of us. He is seated at the right hand of God the Father interceding for us.

“If anyone does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One” (1 John 2:1b).

Jesus is your spiritual Lawyer seeking God on your behalf. Even when you are weary and worn down, Jesus continues on. He is striving, pressing forward, moving ahead for you. Not just all of mankind, but he is talking to God for ____________. (Insert your name.)

Isn’t it a nice feeling to know that the Judge will not render a verdict until Jesus has finished his defense for you? What a peaceful feeling to know that he is there in heaven at the Throne of Justice speaking for you. And even more incredible, we have already won the case. He paid the price for our wrongs. He has served our time. He has endured our punishment.

Today, I encourage you to rest in the fact that Jesus is interceding for you. He is on your side!

Prayer: Father, help me to remember that Jesus is there, seated at your right hand, speaking for me. Give me the peace and courage that comes from knowing that my Savior is interceding for me.

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

The first part of this scripture is very encouraging: “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.” No matter where you are or how bad things look, God is with you. Not only is he with you, he is ready to save you when you call out to him.

However, it’s the second part of the scripture that touches me most: “He will take great delight in you.”

“What? The Maker of the Universe delights in me? Oh, but I have done so much to cause him pain or grief. Surely, he can’t delight in me. If only he knew my thoughts and the things I have done.”

He does know. He has seen it all. Yet, if you have truly accepted Jesus Christ into your heart by faith, he still delights in you. The key is his Son Jesus. Because Jesus died as punishment for our sins, God does not see sinners when he looks at believers . . . he sees his children as saints.

Not only that, “He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Can you imagine God–Almighty God–in heaven right now singing over you? Can you imagine him rejoicing over you with songs and dancing? God is rejoicing in heaven this very moment over you. It’s not one big celebration for everyone. It’s a single celebration just for you.

“Why me? Why does he celebrate over me? I can’t even get along with the neighbors, and God is rejoicing in heaven for me? Why me?”

God rejoices because of his great love for you. He loves you more than you could ever imagine. When things look fearful and frightening, let his love quiet you. Let his love still your heart. If he is in heaven rejoicing over you, then surely he cares about how things are going for you down here.

Today, spend some time rejoicing with God. I am sure you can’t out-dance or out-sing the Lord. But, wouldn’t it be fun to try?

Prayer: Father, I may not fully understand how and why you rejoice over me, but I ask that you would help me to rejoice with you. I want to receive your love and your joy that you want to pour over me.