A few days ago I published "When Grief Makes Praying Hard". In it I wrote that in life, we all certainly like mountaintop experiences better than valleys — the air is clean, the sun is shining, and the view is amazing. But the truth is, we’re going to go through valleys. It’s inevitable. If you are someone you know has recently lost their home and/or other things of sentimental value due to a fire, or other natural disaster, divorce, financial reasons...or if you know of someone who has lost a loved one through death or severed relationship, perhaps a divorce, or the loss of a child in a school shooting, then you know how hard it is to "keep it together". It feels like the weight of the entire world is on your shoulders and about to crush you. It's at those times - when we should be really praying for wisdom, guidance, and peace - when it's hard to pray at all.
For those fighting to hold onto their faith, this difficulty in praying can trigger enormous guilt. You think, I’m a Christian—I’m not supposed to be afraid. I’m not supposed to doubt God. I’m supposed to be stronger than this! Guilt can make even genuine believers feel alone and separated from God.
When you start to feel like this stay CALM (From A Prayer To Keep It Together When Your Life Is Falling Apart by Cindi McMenamin)
C - Consider The Bigger Picture.
Life – and therefore every circumstance you encounter – is meant to conform you to the image of Christ. Once you consider this, you can relax and realize God knows what He’s doing in the circumstances He’s allowing. And you can focus on passing the test, rather than failing it through unnecessary drama.
Romans 8:28-29 CEV We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose, and he has always known who his chosen ones would be. He had decided to let them become like his own Son, so his Son would be the first of many children.
A – Acknowledge God Is In Control.
You are going to trust the God of miracles and whatever He decides to do or not do, for your greater good. Try taking a look at God’s track record in the stories of the Bible. People went through trial after trial, but when they acknowledged God’s control and remained faithful to Him in spite of their circumstances, they experienced deliverance, protection, comfort, and peace. God has an excellent track record of honoring those who trust Him.
Psalms 34:18-20 CEV The Lord is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope. The Lord 's people may suffer a lot, but he will always bring them safely through. Not one of their bones will ever be broken.
L – Look For The Lesson.
Ask God to show you what He wants you to see in the moment, and then stay tuned to His instruction. I find it is helpful, and a reminder to me that God is working in my life, when I say aloud, “God, show me what You want me to see in this situation” or, “Mold me through this, God,” or, “Open my eyes to the truth of Who You are through this situation and my pain.” Maybe your short prayer is simply, “Change me through this, Lord Jesus.” By acknowledging that God is doing something through our situation, we won’t miss the lesson.
Psalms 32:8 CEV You said to me, “I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you.
Isaiah 48:16-17 CEV Come closer and listen! I have never kept secret the things I have said, and I was here before time began. By the power of his Spirit the Lord God has sent me with this message: People of Israel, I am the holy Lord God, the one who rescues you. For your own good, I teach you, and I lead you along the right path.
M – Make It A Point To Praise.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 CEV Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.
Note that command says "whatever happens", even the unexpected, uncomfortable, and unwanted circumstances. As we thank God for our circumstances – and for whatever He determines to do through them – it will change our perspective and make us people who anticipate His provision, rather than dread the worst.
Stay CALM
Lord, Thank You That What Is Happening In My Life Right Now Did Not Take You By Surprise. You Understand The Bigger Picture Of What Is Going On And I Trust You With Your Plan And Purposes For My Life. Thank You That You Are In Absolute Control And You Are Fully Able To Conform Me To The Image Of Christ Through This Ordeal As I Surrender It To You. Show Me What You Want Me To Learn Through This And Help Me To Remain Teachable And Sensitive To Your Holy Spirit. I Thank You That You Are With Me, That You Will Never Leave Me, And That You Are Drawing Me Closer To You Through This Situation So I Can Experience A More Intimate Relationship With You. May You Receive Glory For How I Respond To All
For those fighting to hold onto their faith, this difficulty in praying can trigger enormous guilt. You think, I’m a Christian—I’m not supposed to be afraid. I’m not supposed to doubt God. I’m supposed to be stronger than this! Guilt can make even genuine believers feel alone and separated from God.
When you start to feel like this stay CALM (From A Prayer To Keep It Together When Your Life Is Falling Apart by Cindi McMenamin)
C - Consider The Bigger Picture.
Life – and therefore every circumstance you encounter – is meant to conform you to the image of Christ. Once you consider this, you can relax and realize God knows what He’s doing in the circumstances He’s allowing. And you can focus on passing the test, rather than failing it through unnecessary drama.
Romans 8:28-29 CEV We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose, and he has always known who his chosen ones would be. He had decided to let them become like his own Son, so his Son would be the first of many children.
A – Acknowledge God Is In Control.
You are going to trust the God of miracles and whatever He decides to do or not do, for your greater good. Try taking a look at God’s track record in the stories of the Bible. People went through trial after trial, but when they acknowledged God’s control and remained faithful to Him in spite of their circumstances, they experienced deliverance, protection, comfort, and peace. God has an excellent track record of honoring those who trust Him.
Psalms 34:18-20 CEV The Lord is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope. The Lord 's people may suffer a lot, but he will always bring them safely through. Not one of their bones will ever be broken.
L – Look For The Lesson.
Ask God to show you what He wants you to see in the moment, and then stay tuned to His instruction. I find it is helpful, and a reminder to me that God is working in my life, when I say aloud, “God, show me what You want me to see in this situation” or, “Mold me through this, God,” or, “Open my eyes to the truth of Who You are through this situation and my pain.” Maybe your short prayer is simply, “Change me through this, Lord Jesus.” By acknowledging that God is doing something through our situation, we won’t miss the lesson.
Psalms 32:8 CEV You said to me, “I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you.
Isaiah 48:16-17 CEV Come closer and listen! I have never kept secret the things I have said, and I was here before time began. By the power of his Spirit the Lord God has sent me with this message: People of Israel, I am the holy Lord God, the one who rescues you. For your own good, I teach you, and I lead you along the right path.
M – Make It A Point To Praise.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 CEV Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.
Note that command says "whatever happens", even the unexpected, uncomfortable, and unwanted circumstances. As we thank God for our circumstances – and for whatever He determines to do through them – it will change our perspective and make us people who anticipate His provision, rather than dread the worst.
Stay CALM
Lord, Thank You That What Is Happening In My Life Right Now Did Not Take You By Surprise. You Understand The Bigger Picture Of What Is Going On And I Trust You With Your Plan And Purposes For My Life. Thank You That You Are In Absolute Control And You Are Fully Able To Conform Me To The Image Of Christ Through This Ordeal As I Surrender It To You. Show Me What You Want Me To Learn Through This And Help Me To Remain Teachable And Sensitive To Your Holy Spirit. I Thank You That You Are With Me, That You Will Never Leave Me, And That You Are Drawing Me Closer To You Through This Situation So I Can Experience A More Intimate Relationship With You. May You Receive Glory For How I Respond To All
RSS Feed