A few weeks ago, I told you about a new devotional that had just been published to guide us in this very troubled world today. It was titled Calm Moments For Anxious Days and authored by popular Christian author Max Lucado. It is described as a 90-day devotional journey. I bought the book and it has been my daily devotional since it has arrived. I will share that it has been very helpful to me and I recommend it to anyone looking for guidance in navigating today’s turbulent world.
This past Monday when I read the Day 21 devotional, I felt it was very relevant for me and God led me to share it with you. Here it is, beginning with scripture chosen by Max for you.
Proverbs 3:6 – In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
My father let me climb onto his lap when he drove! He’d be arrested for doing so today. But half a century ago, no one cared. Especially on a flat-as-a-skillet West Texas oil field, where rabbits outnumber people.
I loved it. Did it matter that I couldn’t see over the dash? That my feet stopped two feet shy of the brake and accelerator? That I didn’t know a radio from a carburetor? By no means. I helped my dad drive his truck.
Did I fear driving into the ditch? Overturning the curve? Running the tire into a rut? By no means. Dad’s hands were next to mine, his eyes keener than mine. Consequently, I was fearless! Anyone can drive a car from the lap of a father.
And anyone can pray from the same perspective.
Prayer is the practice of sitting calmly in God’s lap and placing our hands on His steering wheel. He handles the speed and hard curves and ensures safe arrival. And we offer our requests; we ask God to “take this cup away” (Mark 14:36). This cup of disease, betrayal, financial collapse, joblessness, conflict, or senility. Prayer is this simple.
Jesus faced His ultimate fear with honest prayer. And we can too.
Max then summarizes this lesson as follows –
We complicate prayer, creating a checklist of proper words, places, and postures to follow. As if checking all the boxes were the only way to be sure He’s listening. We approach His throne with uncertainty, wondering if our request is too much – if we’re too much. If you hesitate to talk to God, remember this:
My Scripture of Hope – Psalm 116:1-2 – I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath.
Max then concludes the message with:
God’s Promise to Me – God loves to hear from me. I can talk to God from anywhere, anytime, about anything. And He will answer me perfectly. Every time.
Next week, Cindy and I will be traveling north for a family wedding so I will be unable to send a message while traveling. I will look forward to providing a message the following week when we will be home again.