53: God: In the Practical Sense

Title: He's not a mythical creature, he's actually here to help.

I went to church this morning with a mission in mind. I wanted to first thank God for all He's brought me through this week, for the strength He's given me when I felt less than adequate, and for giving me the right mind to follow Him. Then I needed to pray forgiveness, because we all fall short of the glory. Praise Him of course. But then finally, I had some requests. They weren't my usual "Oh God, help me get money so I'll be less stressed" prayers. It was more of the "build me up", "fix me", "help me in my everyday life" kind of prayers.


See the nice thing about church is it's a safe place. A happy place, where there are like-minded people and for those two or three hours a week, I feel like I'm at total peace. But once I step out that door, I know it's back to the battlefield. That's why I'm glad I serve a God that is practical. I prayed for things that would help me make better decisions to act more Christian-like. I prayed to stay in His will. And these are challenging things. But church is not just a show. It's a hospital, a school, a family, all wrapped into one. And that, my friends, is awesome.

52: Perishable Goods

Title: It's about what's neither here, nor there.

I get pretty stressed out trying to fix problems and be proactive in my life. I know that I'm supposed to let God lead, but lately I've realized I do this backwards thing where I get an idea, believe it's the right one without praying on it. Act on this emotion and then come to God, confused when the outcome is crazy obscure.
Well, I've realized two things: This world is perishable, so why stress. And prayer is super easy and free, so take advantage of it.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Cor. 4:18)
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Col 3:2)

When I think about all the things I can't fix and all the things I hold dear to my heart I get frustrated. I get so hung up trying to make my life better. But I realize if I put my efforts in my relationship with God, more things would fall in line.

I also realize how fulfilling prayer is. It feeds your soul. One complaint that people have expressed with me when they pray is "I can't hear God".  Well, I think it's because as humans, we are looking for God to be a direct voice, possibly something deep and raspy giving us very specific answers. Or maybe we just want an email? Well, God answers us in all sorts of ways.


I was particularly worried about a situation last night and I began to pace the room, cleaning frantically to ease my mind. There was a song playing on my computer that I'd never heard. (It wasn't religious music, either) I wasn't paying attention to it, at all. But then all of a sudden, my ears honed in on the lyrics "...this will all blow over". I didn't hear any other lyrics after that. As my mind was cycling through its thoughts, I remembered hearing those words and quickly went over to press "like" on the song.

It was the answer to my prayer, through a random media. Has the problem "blown over"? No, not yet. God works in His time. Will it be over in a day, a week, a month, years? I can't tell you. But the only thing to do after God has given you an answer is to accept it, with all faith. And then, set your sights above. "Build your hopes on things eternal", not your problems in this life.

Also, prayer is super easy to do, because you can do it in your head. You become connected to God as you talk about everything. No matter how big or small. And for those that don't know if they truly believe, or are on the fence, pray anyway. Pray exactly what you think. "God, I don't really know what I believe or how I feel about accepting you or knowing you. Help make you appear more real to me. Help me to accept you as a being, even when the world gives me conflicting answers about religion".

God is hear to help, so let him. I know I need His help, everyday! Right now! Amen!