Lately, I have been distracted by what is going on in the world. The climate of the world’s events saddens me. No matter what side of the coin you’re on regarding what has transpired over the last year, (a global pandemic, political unrest, social injustice) one thing we can agree on, it has been a lot. When I find myself watching the news, scrolling through social media and hearing all the rhetoric, I have to step away and regroup because from my perspective, this is overwhelming. The truth for me and maybe for you too is that anything that we look from our view has the propensity to be overwhelming. Am I right about it?

Some of the events that are unfolding before us, I never thought I would see in my lifetime. Wait, probably those before me have said the same thing in the past. All of the occurrences we are experiencing now, have been here before.

That which has been is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 NASB

To some this is discouraging, but I believe this gives us hope amidst uncertainty. These times let us know that we can endure and get through anything, because these troubles have come before and we have been victorious. Victory does not come without work or loss. Despite what is happening in the world, we do not lose hope because the Lord is still in control. When I wake up in the morning, I have to remind myself of this and breathe again. The other morning, while in God’s Word, I was reminded of my real responsibility while here on earth. My time here is not just for me to live and enjoy the good life, but what we all that proclaim to be followers of Jesus Christ should do, is pray. In Ephesians 6, we are reminded that to put on the full armor and that prayer is our greatest weapon. Friend, when I read this proverbial truth, it reminded me of what, we that call ourselves disciples of Christ, should be doing during these seemingly dark days.  

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With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

Ephesians 6:18 NASB

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Prayer is our greatest defense in these times. Prayer is the key that can turn the lock opening doors to change. When we hear and see all that is happening around us, it causes emotions to arise. The feelings that we try to control on our own are reminders that prayer is needed. Prayer not just for individual’s or for those in our circle, but for all humanity. Where in the Bible does it say, pray for certain political parties, cultures, economic status (you get the point), it does not. In fact, the Bible instructs us, in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, to pray without ceasing or in other words, always be in communion with God. Before cell phones, there was time that if you were on a landline and forgot to place the receiver back on the hook, the person on the other end could still hear your conversation. This is the essence of what I mean, keep the receiver of the hook so the Lord can always hear you.   

With all prayer and petition, pray at all times.

In Ephesians 6:18, Paul tells us that we should be consistent in prayer. There are prayers to intercede for others, prayers for thanksgiving, prayers to petition God for something, prayers of supplication, all these we should do constantly with God.

Pray in the Spirit.

When we pray, are we praying in sincerity or just because we should? In my home office, I have a scented wax burner. I enjoy the way it disperses the fragrance into the atmosphere. However, if it is not plugged into the source of power the wax will just sit and not melt as it should. Just because I have the wax and the burner, but no source of power-my atmosphere will not smell any different. This is the same in prayer, just because I know what I am purposed for and look the part but have no connection to the source, nothing will change.

Pray with your eyes open

I am not saying keep your eyes open when you are praying, that may be a little strange to some. What I am saying is stay alert. Stay alert to what is around you and focus. Let us not get caught up in the schemes and distractions that interfere with God’s plan. I will be the first to admit that it is tough to not get caught in smaller, emotionally driven areas. Where it is tough, we need to ask God for His help and guidance

So here is the reflection: Are we doing what we know to do? Are we praying constantly for all humanity or are we selective in who and what we pray for? Prayer is not like going to a store and picking up milk, based on the type that fits my taste. God did not instruct me to pray for those that are likeminded or make me feel special. He gave the body of Christ a specific instruction of how to pray. This is the challenge.

May we not lose our sight being so closed to God in darkness that we miss His wonderful light. 

Be Encouraged.

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