From Garth Brook’s song, Unanswered Prayers, “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers. Remember when you’re talkin’ to the man upstairs. That just because he doesn’t answer doesn’t mean he don’t care. Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.”
Have you ever felt like when you are praying that no one is listening? Unfortunately, I have felt this way plenty of times.
Some days I’ll be talking to God and listing my needs, wants and wishes and then all of a sudden get this flash of doubt that maybe no one cares what I’m saying and I’m not being heard – this makes me feel downright stupid and a little scared.
The devil has a way of sneaking into my head and making me think that all this God, Bible and Jesus stuff is just a way to make myself feel better and give my life meaning. Satan is extraordinarily talented in placing doubt, fear and worry in my heart on the worst days possible. (Those days I’m usually tired, sick or already in a bad mood).
The reality is that God is EVERYWHERE and always listening. Sometimes His answer to prayer just happens to be no or not right now.
Yes, the world is a lonely place with many things vying for my constant attention. It can be troublesome to discern what I should and should not be doing because many ‘worldly beliefs’ do not agree with Biblical truths.
However, God encourages us to give Him our lives every day amid the chaotic world and talk to Him often – also known as prayer.
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
I’m sure I’m not the only one who has prayed for things (i.e. healing of a friend or family member, reconciliation with friends/spouses or to win the lottery) that have not happened.
It’s those ‘unanswered prayers’ that force me to relinquish control and acknowledge that God has a better plan than I do. And maybe, He actually does know best. Hmmm…
The fear that no one is listening and the ‘unanswered prayers’ problem can be solved best by doing the following actions:
Ask – Make sure you specifically ask for what you need, want and wish for from God. Tell Him all of your hearts’ desires regardless of how small or huge they may be. Do not be scared to ask Him for anything. (See Philippians 4:6) Take time every day to talk to God.
Write – Start a journal with everything you request from God and what you confide in Him. Detail what you ask for and write down the date.
Review – Every so often read the prayers you’ve written and jot down what happened in the circumstance you brought to the Lord’s attention. You might be surprised at what you find. God is amazing at bringing to light joys in the midst of sorrow and creating a path out of a difficult situation that you didn’t even know was there.
The truth is that God cares about each and every one of us. He wants our hearts, minds, bodies and souls. However, He asks us to choose Him and to obey His commands. I can’t expect to get what I want, but not to do what God wants me to be doing.
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:7-8
God is our heavenly parent. He answers all prayers. It just so happens that He says yes when He can and He says no when He should.
What prayers have you seen answered in your life lately? Was the answer yes or no?
Some Wisdom for Today: Proverbs 18:15 – The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.
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