I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the timeliness of God and it occurs to me I’m not as patient as I’d like to be. Jesus tells us “don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34 NLT). However, I find myself spending too much time thinking, not about tomorrow’s tomorrow but the tomorrow of next month or even six months from now. I don’t find myself worrying about what’s to come. Rather, I find myself thinking about what I think God has to do for what I want to see manifest, manifest. Of course, I’m also thinking about what I have to do as well. I’ve heard it said that if you’re going to worry then don’t pray and if you’re going to pray then don’t worry. As I consider all of this I can’t help but have a couple of questions. Is it possible we can worry sometimes and not realize it? What does it mean to be in continual prayer?

In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, he reminds them to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV). In the parable about the persistent widow, Jesus also reminds us to not give up in our prayers (Luke 18:1-8). Furthermore, we are told by Jesus that “whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24 NIV). Finally, I’m reminded of Isaiah who tells us “those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 BSB).

When Paul says we’re to be in continual prayer I don’t think he’s talking about walking around and praying all of the time. I don’t know about you but when I go to God in prayer it’s usually not about anything that I want to dwell on. I usually don’t pray for things, events, conditions, etc. that haven’t come to pass yet. I’m a firm believer in going to God in prayer and then leaving it in His hands. However, I’m not always successful in “firing and forgetting” my prayers to God. This is why I repent often when I find myself thinking about these things and subsequently giving them “back” to God.

I think being in constant prayer is about a state of mind and spirit. It’s the worship and praise we lift up to God as we do the things we do in our day. It’s about having God on our minds all the time and keeping a line of communication open to Him. Therefore, as I go through my day and thoughts come to mind about things I’ve prayed for it’s my line of communication that’s open to God which allows me to realize I’m thinking about something I’ve already given to Him and to put it back into His hands. However, if I didn’t have that prayerful mindset, accepted those stray thoughts, and started dwelling on those thoughts I would be worrying.

There was a time when I would think of prayer and not think of fasting. However, as I’ve walked further with the Lord the two now go hand in hand. While I don’t always fast I do recognize and have seen what fasting can do. There can be prayer without fasting but fasting without prayer is just going on a diet. There are many different types of fasting but they all have one thing in common. We turn away from the things we think are important to focus on God. For me, fasting is something that reminds me of my trust and faith in God. I used to be hesitant in fasting because of the medication I took. However, God delivered me from the disorder that required me to take that medication. Therefore, I no longer think about that when I fast. Instead, I can remember where God brought me from.

I didn’t know any Scripture when I was first saved but I did grab onto these verses from Proverbs.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV1984

I’ve realized today I’ve been leaning on my own understanding. When I look to the future, and the prayers I’ve lifted up to God, and think about what I think needs to happen for those prayers to be answered, I’m leaning on my own understanding. God’s ways are not my ways and His thoughts are not my thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). In fact, God is God all by Himself and He doesn’t need me trying to figure Him out or trying to tell Him how to do what He’s going to do.

I do think it’s possible to worry and not realize it. However, I know God is faithful and when we keep our mind fixed on Him then He’ll let us know and get us back on track.

Do you know God? God knows you and He loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, right now, and He wants you to know Him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so that we could be free of guilt, be freed from death, and live eternally with Him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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