We woke to the whispered voices of our granddaughters in the next room. It was a dark winter’s morning and they weren’t confident enough of the time to come into our room.
The words were hushed so we couldn’t quite hear the conversation. Occasionally there would be laughter, followed quickly by, “shhh!” They were doing their best not to disturb us.
After a little while, one word kept getting louder. It was, “Hungry.” Soon one of the girls tiptoed into our bedroom, repeating this word as she neared our bed. When we responded, the others joined in asking us for breakfast.
This scenario reminded me of the way I sometimes approach God. I whisper my anxious thoughts, hoping he’ll take notice. Although God hears each word and knows my every thought, he wants me to communicate directly with him.
I need to have the confidence to express whatever is on my mind. Often I feel like what concerns me isn’t important enough to take to God. Maybe I’m taking him away from more important things. The truth is that God is ready and willing to hear from me at any time. These conversations through prayer form the foundation of my relationship with him.
Just because I come to God in prayer doesn’t mean he gives me what I want. Sometimes he tells me to wait and other times he leads me in a different direction. What is most important is the comfort I have in knowing that when I call out to him he will be there for me.
Call to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you great and mysterious things that you do not know. (Jeremiah 33:3 GWT)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6 NIV)