PRAYER PROMPT ••• It’s very rare that I know what I’m going to write about when I wake up.
But I knew this one was coming.
Every morning, I pray that the Holy Spirit will put a topic on my heart that will be something that I need, something someone else needs, and that will mostly honor God.
Today’s topic is something I need: do you pray about it as much as you complain about it?
While “complain” could mean the traditional whining, oh-woe-is-me thing… I chose it more because it rhymed.
It’s not just about complaints of what went wrong, but it’s talking about situations and sharing your hopes and dreams with others more than you share them with God the Father.
I am so guilty of this.
One could make the argument that we’re humans!
We have an innate desire to communicate with others.
That’s true, but our primary relationship should be with God, before anyone else.
That’s the reason He made us – to worship Him and fellowship with Him.
The Holy Spirit has been nudging my heart on this point for a while, and it’s time for me to make some changes.
I write this with a renewed commitment to talk to God about things before anyone else.
For those who read this and know me, hold me accountable!
If I start talking, interrupt me and ask if I’ve prayed about it!
God doesn’t mind our discussion with friends, but He wants guidance to be from Him, not others.
Part of that is going to Him first!
When we share with friends, they often offer their opinions, ideas, and solutions for how to handle our respective situations.
(It’s what we do too when the tables are turned and we’re listening to someone else talk!)
But how often do we find ourselves in the middle of a conversation and wish we’d just stayed quiet?
I’d raise both hands here, but I’m trying to type.
Proverbs 21:23 says, “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
And Psalm 141:3 says, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
The verse from Psalm should be my life verse.
Just put a padlock on it, Lord!
Jeremiah 33:3a says, “Call to me and I will answer you,” and Hebrews 1:1-2 reminds us that God is communicating with us too, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”
Then there’s me.
Too often running to everyone else first and God last.
Sometimes I imagine Jesus is face-palming over me.
He Himself said in Luke 6:46, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”
Today, Jesus, I’m listening.
I’m sorry that I haven’t come to you first every time.
I want to live by the truth in 1 John 1:3b, “our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
Jesus, You are first.
Today, as you pray, if this is an area of your life you struggle with too, ask the Holy Spirit to gently nudge your heart when, like me, you need to pray about it more that you complain about it, talk about it, analyze it, or gossip about it.
Thank Jesus for being patient with us when we fail to put Him first, but ask Him to give us earnest hearts that want Him first in every situation.
