I’ve noticed something about myself lately: I can pray really, really well when I feel like I need the Lord’s help.

Isn’t that sad?

As I was sitting at my desk at work a couple of days ago, I started feeling really anxious about the fact that I don’t have a job lined up after I graduate from my master’s program. I started praying, and there’s nothing wrong with that. What was wrong was my attitude. I started to reflect on my prayer life and I realized that I pray a whole lot more when I feel like I need God. Only one problem with that:

There’s not a time when I don’t need God.

I think this is a trap that we all easily fall in to. We pray and read Scripture a lot more when we are going through something that highlights our uncertainty and fears or when we are having to endure suffering. And there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Scripture tells us to cast all of our anxieties on the Lord because he cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). The problem is that we forget that Scripture also tells us to pray continually (1 Thess. 5:17).

Communication with God is essential because we always need him. He provides our daily bread and leads us beside still waters. He guides us along the paths he has prepared for us. Even in our daily routines when life is running smoothly, we need him. As the great hymn says, “I need thee, oh I need thee. Every hour I need thee. Oh bless me now my savior, I come to thee.”

I’m trying to remember this. I’m trying to do better about seeking the Lord’s face at all times rather than just when I want something from him. I hope you will join me in this.


By Timothy

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