If we were to go on a road trip together what would our conversations look like? Would it be filled with roadtrip games like find the ABC’s? Would we talk about everything going on in our lives? Or would we just sit in silence most of the trip? It’s interesting to think about. It reminds me of prayer life in a way. Some of us are just sitting back, not saying anything. Sometimes we speak but only to tell God about all the things going wrong in our lives. Sometimes it’s just a fun and loving game where we are seeking God and enjoying his company. No matter what it’s like I want to narrow down and talk about one area that I have struggled with in my own life.
I remember it so well. Prior to becoming saved I was in an enduring rut. Life was good but not what I had planned. The business was running but could never live up to my expectations and it was sucking the life out of me. Every night I would come home and spend my evening complaining to my wife about how bad that day had been. Our conversations would easily end up in the gutter saying things like,” So and so cant do their job right” or “ We’re not making enough money” or “These customers are driving me crazy”. Every aspect of the business was turned into a weapon. Every night became a misery party and when things did look up I would find a way to bring them back down. There was always something for me to complain about. All of the grumbling and complaining was choking the life out of life.
If you read last week’s blog post and did your homework, you would know that my favorite part in the book of Jonah is when God teaches a lesson to Jonah using the leafy plant and the worm. In the second to last verse God tells Jonah.” You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there..” You see, Jonah had been complaining about the things happening in his life instead of living open handedly for God’s will and purpose. He wanted to throw a misery party and be the center of attention. I want you to take some time to think about your life, are you living as though God is in control or are you complaining about the “worm” in your life.
Going back to my own story, after becoming saved everything shined in a new light. As I have written before, there were still problems, and there always will be, but God was there in every single one. Matter of fact he handled them for me in many cases. When I gave everything to God that included my problems and he has always been faithful. When you pray does it sound more like you telling God what to do or do your prayers show trust and faithfulness that no matter what the circumstances are, he is in the midst of it.
I am still far from perfect, thankfully I have Jesus. There are days when I just want to vent and complain to someone and let it all out. Most of the time, when I do though, it rarely helps. When I talk to God, my best friend and savior, he knows just what I need. A lot of times it’s not what I expected but it is always for the best. So when you are feeling stressed or just need to vent just start talking to God like a friend. It can be simple. God doesn’t need you to verbalize the depth of your problems, he already knows them. He just wants you to bring them to him. A simple prayer like,” God this is happening and I trust you to help me. No matter the outcome, I trust in you”. Then let God work. I hope you find this article helpful. That simple prayer alone has walked me through some very tough times. God bless you guys and have a great week!
