Direction in Prayer

Whenever we receive a great deliverance from God, we thank him with our whole heart. And then we make him this sincere promise, “Lord, from now on, I won’t go anywhere or do anything until I inquire of you. I’m going to pray about everything.” But when a new crisis arises, we think we can rely on our old plans and successes and we end up taking matters into our own hands.

We reason, “God has given me a good mind and I’m supposed to use it. He wants me to figure things out.” Well, that’s true, but only after seeking his direction in prayer. We can never obtain the mind of God by relying on our own reasoning. The Lord may allow our self-made plans to work momentarily, but eventually we end up in total confusion.

The apostle Paul tells us that the carnal mind cannot understand the spiritual mind: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be” (Romans 8:5-7).

It is possible that in spite of your righteous walk, your devotion and worship, you are going your own way. If this is true, turn your eyes back toward God for his discernment and guidance. Cry out to him and trust in his faithfulness. “The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand” (Psalm 121:5). Your Father longs to be the one who watches over you, guards you, and protects you.

How wonderful to know that our Lord is vigilant, protective, and he takes great joy in keeping and preserving his children.