02/12/2016
Removing Doubt and Fear from our prayer lives as an impediment to the fullness of our faith and prayer is the subject of today’s message. The importance of prayer, and specifically a prayer in which we are confidently asking God to increase us in faith, can't be overstated. Haven’t we all prayed with a spirit of fear and doubt at some point in our lives? And, when we did this didn’t we find that the ground was shaking beneath us, and a fire burned within us? Yes, we had lost the Peace of God that we had felt when we prayed as we should? Taking the time to still our hearts before beginning to pray is a good way to steady our faith, and find courage in the low whisper of God. Taking a deep breath and then slowly letting it out is a wonderful way for our spirit to call Him.
Do we hear His name when we perform this calming exercise? Do we hear ourselves saying “YA” as we breathe in, and “WEH” as we breathe out? Doesn’t repeating this over and over again bring us into His presence, and calm the fear within our spirits? Then at last, don’t we hear his voice asking “Child, what are you doing here?” It is here in this moment that we come to understand the difference between praying TO God, and praying WITH Him. We are now at peace, and the Lord engages with us in conversation like He did with Elijah… listen…
“And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?””
1 Kings 19:12-13 ESV
One of the great benefits of prayer is the peace of God that comes to us as we pray, and which continues as we wait for Him to answer us. If we allow doubt to destroy that peace then we have lost much, and we will suffer physically and spiritually for it. The effectiveness of prayer rests upon our ability to pray in confidence, the will of God, and an unwavering faith. Although God might choose to answer a prayer offered with little faith, the riches obtained through a diligent and determined prayer life, one in which we are free of doubt, and conversing openly with Him, would be lost to us. The riches contained in such a wonderful habit of prayer are anchored by our faith in the harbor of unrestrained peace and joy. Prayer offered with the absolute expectation that God will answer us adds depth to our relationship with Him, and brings our spirit into a healthy unity of purpose between ourselves and God.
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”
1 John 5:14-15 ESV
I remember times as a child when I would work at odd jobs to save enough money to make a purchase. I knew that if I kept working, and saving, that one day soon I would have enough money to buy the object of my desire. I was confident in the fact that I could find jobs, I had faith in the fact that my earnings were of value, and believed that they could be used to make the purchase. Interestingly, those items I obtained in this way were far more satisfying than had I been given them without any effort at all, and the satisfaction of having stayed the course to the end was immensely gratifying.
Our prayer life is much like those odd jobs and small purchases I made as a child. We must have confidence that God loves us and hears our prayers, then, we must have faith in the fact that God will answer them. The value of our prayers will not diminish... And if we stay the course we will reach our desired end in full relationship with God our Father and be filled with praise and adoration for Him as David was.
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
Psalm 34:4 ESV
Being confident in God and brave as we await His response to our prayers removes the anxiety from our lives. We should hold to His promise always with steady hands, and listen as he says “Fear not!”
Prayer:
Father, thank you for entering into prayer with us. Thank you for hearing us, answering us, and giving our spirits peace as we then rest in you. Thank you Lord for your Son Jesus who taught us to pray, and for your Holy Spirit who prays for us when we are a loss for words. Hear our moans Abba, and then allow us to hear your whisper as you let us know you are there with us. Help us Holy Father to breathe your name as we seek you in prayer, and to hear you clearly when you say:
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 ESV.
Calm us Abba so that we are not frantic, anxious, or lost to fear and doubt, as we bring our needs and cares to you. Help us to be at rest as we wait upon you, and comfort us in the security of our faithfulness to you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who not only walks with us, but talks with us, and knows our every need before it has left our lips. True are you who defends and provides for us, because your love is great, your forgiveness forever, and your grace merciful beyond all measure. Let us lean back into your arms now, and find rest and peace in you, and Jesus Christ, today. In this we will praise you, and give you all the glory forevermore.
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Rich Forbes