“When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.”
What would you say if someone asked you how you’re doing? Chances are you’re a little overwhelmed, you have a long to-do list, and you’re physically, emotionally, and spiritually fatigued. Yet the default response most of us give is “Good” or “Fine” or maybe even “Good but tired.”
We use the words “good” or “fine” when we don’t want other people to know what’s actually going on inside. We try to move the discourse along while we choose to remain oblivious to our lives’ shifting circumstances. The truth is that we spend the majority of our days somewhere between “fine” and drained, hurried, exhausted, and at our breaking point.
So, how are you truly doing right now? Do you feel like your life is being thrown off balance by your never-ending to-do list? By helplessness? By comparison and self-pity? Or by the stress to do better and accomplish more?
In Ephesians 3:14–15, Paul prayed in the posture of bowing on his knees. This position of utmost humility was in stark contrast to the more usual posture of prayer in that culture, which was to pray standing with hands raised up. Regardless, Paul — while he was imprisoned — humbled himself before God and acknowledged His great and unstoppable works.
In Luke 22:41–46 shows us how Jesus prayed fervently. Jesus knew how much suffering He would carry for our sins. He knelt in prayer and asked God to remove the cup that He would bear and acknowledged God’s will in His life. God did not take away the cup, but provided strength for Him. In both verses 40 and 46, Jesus reminded His disciples to pray so that they might not enter into temptation. Indeed, in this passage, Jesus taught us that when we pray, we can gain wisdom, strength, and provision from Him. We can always come to Him most especially in times of struggle.
We will find it difficult to weather the storms if we have rooted ourselves in the thin soil of this world — in what we do and what we may achieve in life. We can only live a real, secure, and liberated life when we are anchored in Christ. When life falls apart, we can always kneel and pray. If we hold on to God’s goodness and steadfast love, we will remain in His presence even in the moments when things are not okay.
REFLECT
What can we expect from God in prayer?
- God may not always say “yes” to our prayers but He cherishes our faith. Whenever we pray, it turns our attention from ourselves to God. It gives us the opportunity to worship Him humbly despite the circumstances we are facing.
- It may be difficult to pray when we are suffering, but we trust that God will help us endure through prayers and by His Word. Hold fast to the Word of God and it will hold fast to you.
- Denying reality, growing bitter, or seeking solace in human wisdom are not the paths God has called us to walk. Instead, we are urged to respond with honest and humble faith, embracing the full weight of our circumstances and choosing to trust in God’s unwavering goodness.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
We might not know when our grief is going to end or our circumstances will change, but we know that we can always trust in You. As we kneel before You today, may You touch our hearts and give us peace, comfort us with Your hands, and protect us with Your grace. We love you dear Father, and we are grateful that You always listen to our prayers. All these we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Writer : Maridja Viloria