Praying or Complaining

I hate to admit it but some days it’s more of the second than the first. Let me explain.

Several years back I heard a teaching on prayer. The minister made a comment that I think I will always remember.

“If you go to the Father in prayer about something that is bothering you and you come away still worried about it, you weren’t praying you were just complaining.”

Some mornings I find myself complaining! Ugh!!

I think I am casting the care of the situation over on the Lord. But, when it keeps coming up and I am worried that the situation won’t change, I realize that all I have been doing is complaining about it.

Now I know none of you ever do this, telling the Lord you are rolling all of the care over on Him, He can handle it and then proceed to worry. Yep, I’m the only one so, this is for me this morning.

These are such great verses – resist the devil and he will flee. So, one more time I am handing my care over to the Lord and I will resist the enemy by praising God and not worrying. Every time a thought of worry comes up, I will replace it with praise, thanking the Lord that He is in control and the enemy will have to flee.

“So be humble under God’s powerful hand. Then he will lift you up when the right time comes. 7 Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.

8 Control yourselves and be careful! The devil is your enemy, and he goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to attack and eat. 9 Refuse to follow the devil. Stand strong in your faith. You know that your brothers and sisters all over the world are having the same sufferings that you have.” I Peter 5:6-9 ERV

Be humble – admit that “God I can’t handle this so I’m giving it over to You! You are the One who has my best interest at heart, You are the One who can bring change that I can’t even imagine.

I will keep my emotions in check; I will refuse the devil’s invitation to fear. I will stand strong with my faith firmly placed in You and Your provision. I won’t complain. I will pray and thank You for being in control. In Jesus name.”

Here’s to a praise filled, worry free day!

Welcome to My World

Last night we were having dinner with a group of friends and somehow the conversation turned to country music. We talked about those we felt were great songwriters and recording artists.

I was asked who my country western artist was. I only had to think for a minute because I have several who share the top spot for me but then I answered Eddy Arnold. He was Country Music Entertainer of the Year for several years, had a smooth voice and a kind smile.

But what’s all that have to do with this morning’s blog? I’m glad you asked.

One of the songs I remember hearing most often was “Welcome to My World”. Those lyrics were running through my mind this morning as I sat quietly, lifting my prayers to the Lord.

“Welcome to my world won’t you come on in
Miracles I guess still happen now and then
Step into my heart leave your cares behind
Welcome to my world built with you in mind

Knock and the door will open seek and you will find
Ask and you’ll be given the key to this world of mine
I’ll be waiting here with my arms unfurled
Waiting just for you welcome to my world”

This of course is a love song and as I hummed the melody and allowed the lyrics to flow through my mind it became a love song to me from my heavenly Father.

He invites us to leave our cares behind. He planned our world for us before it was created. He told us to ask, knock and seek; He’s waiting with outstretched arms.

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:7 CEV

“Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven! Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people.” Ephesians 1:3-4 CEV

“So I tell you to ask and you will receive, search and you will find, knock and the door will be opened for you. 10 Everyone who asks will receive, everyone who searches will find, and the door will be opened for everyone who knocks.” Luke 11:9-10 CEV

“The Lord God is waiting to show how kind he is and to have pity on you. The Lord always does right; he blesses those who trust him.” Isaiah 30:18 CEV

You see, even a country-western song can convey the message of God’s faithfulness and love.

Welcome to my World!

Carry Me

How many times as a parent or grandparent have we heard that request “Carry Me”?

Let me tell you a quick story. Years ago, while we were in Hawaii visiting our oldest daughter and family, we took a day to climb Diamond Head. Us and a few hundred people we had never met. Our grandson was a toddler at that time and his sister was in kindergarten. Our grandson was in a backpack carrier, but his sister was walking. She got tired and you guessed it, said “Carry Me”.

She was carried the rest of the way and as we neared the top, I heard her say, “I’m so tired”. We had to laugh. That’s the image that came to mind yesterday while I was reading my Bible.

“Then I said, “Don’t worry! 30 The Lord our God will lead the way. He will fight on our side, just as he did when we saw him do all those things to the Egyptians. 31 And you know that the Lord has taken care of us the whole time we’ve been in the desert, just as you might carry one of your children.” Deuteronomy 1:29-31 CEV

This is Moses talking to the Israelites shortly before they head into the Promised Land. His time as their leader was drawing to a close and Joshua would be his replacement. He was recounting all the Lord had done for them while they had been in the wilderness.

” the Lord has taken care of us the whole time we’ve been in the desert, just as you might carry one of your children. “

What a comfort! The Lord doesn’t abandon us, He carries us! When we are tired and weary, He gives us rest.

“I praise you, Lord, for answering my prayers.You are my strong shield, and I trust you completely. You have helped me, and I will celebrate and thank you in song. You give strength to your people, Lord, and you save and protect your chosen ones. Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms.” Psalms 28:6-9 CEV

When the prophets were foretelling the birth of Christ and all that He would be to those here on earth he said this:

“A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 CEV

Eternal Father!

Think about that – He is our eternal Father! He is always with us, and He is always willing to “Carry Me”.