Heavenly Father, King of all kings, You are gracious and Your love is longstanding—eternal. You are so patient with me. When I wander off, You quietly and eagerly await my return.
You gave me free will so that I could make my own decisions, and hopefully the right choices. You gave me intellect to discern; a conscious and “gut” to sense and feel what is right. You gave me friends and family to consult with, to seek wisdom and advice.
Ultimately, though, I make my own choices. Many times, my decisions are not the best for me or those around me. Why is that? Most likely because I’m relying on what I want. I may not be seeing the whole picture. I may have made up a whole storyline that’s not based on actual facts or truth. I may just be being selfish or stubborn.
What I’ve most likely missed out on is the most important thing I could ever do—to seek You, to ask You for wisdom, counsel and direction. You tell me in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
You are the Creator of all that exists. You care deeply for me; I am Your beautiful creation.
You tell me in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” I think this requires me to seek You always. You want me to be joyful. You want me to be grateful in all things. And You tell me to never stop praying.
That seems impossible.
Yet, when I’m spending time with You, praying, worshipping or just being quiet in Your Presence, I make better decisions. I’m more content—even when things aren’t going my way. I have more peace.
I can easily slip out of this mode; but there You are … patiently waiting for me to return.
When I no longer feel at peace, when I am restless or unanchored, that’s a “tell,”—it’s a sign that I’m out of balance in my relationship with You, my Creator. In those times, please call me back Holy Spirit. Prompt my heart, interrupt my thinking, convict my spirit, to realize what’s missing—my time with You.
Lord Jesus, You gave up everything for me. May I realize that life without You is incomplete, without purpose and senseless.
In the Patient and Eternal Name of Jesus, my King, I pray.
Amen.
