If you read my devotion today, When God Comes Near, you may be wondering where Pastor Walter got his strength. He asked God for it. The fastest way to cause God to come near to you is to draw near to Him. How—by telling God your needs. It sounds simple, but how many times do we really ask God for specific help like Walter did? Maybe we think He’s too busy to bother. Nothing is further from the truth. God is not distant, too busy, or absorbed by other challenges to hear our petitions. He is aware of our concerns and has given us His promised Presence to see us through.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Ps 46:1). I love that verse. It says God is my helper! He’s yours too! So go ahead and ask God for His provision. Ask for comfort, wisdom, guidance, and strength.
Without God’s help, we tend to grow hopeless in our situations. But those who abound in hope are those who understand the power of prayer. We can petition God anytime, anywhere, and any place sharing our sorrows and joys alike. “Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer” (Ps 4:1).
Praying through the pain is a practical step toward maintaining our hope. No matter what we face, we should never stop praying. Jesus prayed frequently and alone avoiding distractions. This can be difficult in today’s busy world. Although, picking a quiet place to meet with God on a regular basis helps to stay committed and minimize disturbances. Prayer helps sooth our anxieties and lift our spirits.
On the other hand, those who are overcome with hopelessness often feel bound by circumstances beyond their control but talking with God has no boundaries. Even when the words won’t come, the Spirit of God understands and interprets our groans. He fills our hearts with hope and enables us to experience peace and joy in the midst of suffering.
I’ve often made this verse my prayer: “May the God of hope fill [me] with all joy and peace as [ I ] trust in him, so that [ I ] may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
After we tell God our needs, the next step is to watch and see how God responds. Many times we feel as if our requests go unheard and our needs unmet because we miss God’s response to our prayers. After we ask God for help, we should watch to see what happens next. Many times God shows up in the practical things of life—help from a friend, a reimbursed check in the mail, or a job offer from an unexpected source.
I don’t always know how God will meet my needs, but I do know that He will always deliver on His promise of hope to those who trust and seek His provision. He is there to guide our decisions and offer us comfort and security even in the most chaotic circumstances.
Whatever your concern may be, whatever your pain, take some time today and tell God about it. In fact, I’d like to challenge you to make the verse above, Romans 15:13, your prayer today. To encourage others, as well as yourself, leave a comment saying…I talked with God today. If you like, add how that made you feel.
gary says
Thanks so much for sharing an ENCOURAGING WORD. I have been to the place of dispear. I have given up and but never stopped loving me, gently leading but into His presence so I could know Him and trust him and not just what I wanted.
He is always faithful.
Be blessed and thanks so much for sharing your heart.
Lynn Cowell says
Micca,
As I laid in bed crying last night, I did exactly that…drew near to God. He is such a perfect comfort, companion and consoler. I was so greatful to be His!
Thanks for the devo!
Lynn
Kim says
I talked with God today . . . and I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders. I have given my request to God, asking for his guidance on how He wants me to proceed.
I feel more peaceful and will pray Romans 15:13 throughout the day.
Carolina_Connie says
Thank you so much for your devo today. I have been struggling with loneliness since the passing of my husband. And just this morning I heard from a new friend inviting me to spend the day with her tomorrow.
Mrs.Nixdorf says
I talked to God today . . . and your devo was the answer to my prayer. Everything you said I had just poured out to God on my way to work. Thank you for being His reassurance to me today that He sees me and hears my cry.
Monica says
Micca, thank you so much for this post. My husband told me he is cheating on me because he misses the fun of being with different women. It hurts so bad. He is moving out this weekend leaving me with almost nothing materially. I have prayed and prayed. The woman texts me and tells me to stop embarrassing myself. It hurts, but I have turned to God for relief, guidance and strength for awhile now. It seems that the pain gets worse, with no relief in sight most days. I don't want to lose my marriage, but I am losing my mind.
I don't know what I am to gain from this experience in the long run, but I am just thankful for God's words as comfort and to be able to pray when I all I want to do is just cry.
Thank you for this strong message, especially today. I truly needed to hear a word from God.
Micca says
Dear Monica, Mrs Nixdorf, Kim, Caroline,Lyn and Gary you are the reason for my post today. I know that pain, no matter where it comes from, feels like someone has punched you in the stomach and took your breath away.
Know that I'm praying for you today. I prayed for you last night before I knew you names. And I've prayed for others who have yet read today's post.
Don't give up. Keep crying out to God. I know the pain is great but each time you cry out God will lift you to a new level of grace.
May peace and joy be yours.
Pat says
Thank you for your devotion on Oct. 16. I just read it this am, Sat. Oct. 17. I lost my husband of 4 and half years (a second marriage for us) to a massive heart attack. I know God is Good. However, each day seems to get harder instead of easier. Your devotion reminds me that I need to be specific to God to help me meet my need of my broken heart. Thank you. I look forward today to see God do just that. I know God is close to the broken-hearted but I forget to ask for myself. Thank you for this devotion! Pat
KELLY W says
Thank you for the post! I came to your blog from Renee's and happen to find the scripture I really need with everything going on in my life. I posted Romans 15:13 on my facebook page! Very encouraging scripture!