pray without ceasing…for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:17–18 NKJV)
Its not always easy to ask for help; just ask any man whether they ask for directions if they are lost!
We can be concerned that we are just bothering someone with our problems. We can be apprehensive about becoming a burden on others. We can worry what others might think about us if we ask for assistance.
It can seem to us that the more we ask for help the more burdensome we become and the more irritated other people will be.
However, with God the complete opposite is true.
He is pleased, no more than that, he is delighted when we ask for his help. As far as he is concerned the more we ask the better it is.
God wants to have a relationship with us and for any relationship to grow and mature there needs to be ongoing communication.
This was so from the very beginning. God created mankind in his image to have a deep and meaningful relationship with himself.
Through prayer, that relationship is born and nourished throughout a lifetime, or as Paul said pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV)
There is an interesting verse tucked away in the Psalm of Asaph where God says, call for help when youre in troubleIll help you, and youll honor me. (Psalm 50:15 The Message).
Here God gives a direct invitation to pray to Him in times of need.
Sometimes, if not most of the time, we can have the view that the purpose of prayer is to solve our problems.
Perhaps we need a different perspective.
Perhaps God occasionally allows problems to come our way so that we might pray to Him.
God doesnt want us to be like a male car driver refusing to ask for help when they are lost. Rather he wants us to seek his assistance in walking life in his direction.
As we do that and as we see that God is a real help to us it will lead to us honour him.
Ultimately God wants us to build a relationship with Him.
So why not get the ball rolling and pray to God today? Not just once but throughout the day. And not just today, but every day!
Lets make it our goal to Never stop praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17 New Living Translation).
Prayer
Father, thank you for wanting a relationship with me. Im sorry for all the times Ive neglected that relationship by not talking with you. Help me to cultivate a close and intimate relationship with you through prayer which in turn will bring honour and glory to you.
Amen.
Have a prayerful week.
Pastor Barry