Some days I wonder if God hears my prayers at all. Lately, I've been struggling with some situations and find myself talking to God all the time. I pray that God will change my situation, rescue me, change those involved, and give me peace - things like that. Nothing changes. At least nothing I can notice.
I wonder what's wrong with me.
Am I not praying right? Am I not living the right way? Is this punishment for something I've done or not done? Is He talking to me and I just can't hear Him.
I'm not sure what the answer is.
But I do know He hears me. He is listening.
The Bible is full of promises reminding me - reminding us - God is listening and He does hear our prayers.
'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'
Jeremiah 33:3 NIV
"They will call on my name and I will answer them;
I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.' "
Zechariah 13:9b NIV
Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
the LORD will hear when I call to him.
Psalm 4:3 NIV
But in today's society I've fallen prey to the fast food, drive-thru mentality. It's as if sometimes I see Him as a vending machine. I put in my money, make my selection, and expect what I've chosen to be delivered instantly.
I don't want mean to see Him that way and I definitely don't want to see God this way.
My biggest problem is that I am impatient and not a very good listener. I don't wait to hear God speak to me. I am guilty of throwing my prayers up to God and then moving on to the next thing. I am not waiting to hear from Him. God works on His time, not mine.
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:14 NIV
For evildoers will be cut off,
But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.
Psalm 37:9 NASB
I have a feeling that if I don't wait willingly on the Lord - He will demand it. In fact, I think that's where I'm at right now.
God is demanding that I wait - and in doing so - develop and grow spiritually.
Sometimes growing isn't fun or easy. But the reward is oh so sweet.
I love my Jesus and I do enjoy spending time with Him. Ultimately, that's better than any other use of my time.
As it says in
Jeremiah 33:3, I do want to hear about the great and unsearchable things that I do not know.
I know these things will be more wonderful than anything I can possibly imagine.
Precious Father, please forgive me for my impatience and unwillingness to wait to hear from You. I love You and desire You above all else. I do want to hear about the great and unsearchable things I don't know about. I want to grow in my walk with You. I pray Lord for Your grace and mercy. I thank You for being patient with me despite my falling short. I praise You Lord for You are so wonderful. I thank You for all these wonderful blessings and ask for Your forgiveness for being so ungrateful. I give You all the glory and praise for You are worthy. Thank you Jesus!