Whose Answer Do I Really Want?

Do you ever have a day without questions for God? It seems to me that I wonder things most days. Things like – what direction God is taking my life, what I should be doing in particular situations, why a loved one is suffering, and so on.

Not only do I have these questions, but in my own way I seem to discern that I need to figure out the answers. In my introspective way, I ponder many things. I plan and I organize – and frequently come up with a plan or solution that I think is wonderful.

How often do I then take my so-called terrific thoughts to God, expecting Him to provide an answer to my prayers that aligns with what I consider to be best? Way too often, I must say.

In Psalm 120 God gives us a promise:

“I call on the Lord in my distress, and He answers me.” (vs. 1 NIV)

God will answer our prayers – that’s a certainty. Does that mean He is going to agree with our earth-bound solutions? No.

So, the question is – are we going to God to affirm our own beliefs about what is right or are we going to Him, earnestly seeking His will and His guidance?

Really, I wonder sometimes why I spend hours contemplating situations that are best left in God’s capable hands. I stew and worry, going over the myriad of possibilities. That’s not trusting God to guide me at all.

It’s definitely time to reconsider what my prayer life should be about.

God wants us to call out to Him when life is tumbling around us. He is there to lean on and to offer support – often in ways we can never imagine. He is also there when life is going well, ready to receive our praise for the work He is doing in our lives.

Consider this – do you go to the fireman and say that you need help to fight the fire in your house and that this is the way you think the firefighter should proceed? Absolutely not. We trust in the firefighter’s training and expertise to assess the situation and offer the best plan of attack.

It’s the same with our relationship with our Heavenly Father. He has the infinite knowledge that we don’t. He knows what’s coming and how we need to be prepared. God has a plan and a purpose for our lives. We need to trust Him to provide the answers we need.

The best plan is to not go to God with preconceived notions about the best course of action. Ask God to show you what is best for you at this time and place – and He will.
While God does expect us to think and use our brains to make daily life work, He is asking us to come to Him with an open mind about the possibilities that He has for our lives. Rather than puzzling things out ourselves, God wants us to approach Him with a willing heart to follow His will, not our own.

There is great peace in entrusting our lives to our gracious God. He’s got this. He’s got you.

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