The Lord is righteous in all his ways
and faithful in all he does.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
The Lord watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy. (Psalm 145:17-20)
I was talking with a friend about prayer and how sometimes I feel like a dork when I pray. If you’ve ever talked with me in person, you know I can babble as I sort through what’s on my mind. I do that when I’m talking to God. Then I feel weird because in the Gospel Jesus said “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.” (Matthew 6:7)
I’m self-conscious as I pray because I’m definitely babbling at points AND I used to be a pagan.
I know dorky that sounds, trust me.
I figure God loves me for who I am, rambling monologues and all, and if He wants me to shut up as I work through my issues, He’ll tell me. So I’m just gonna keep rambling on.
But the important part of rambling at God is knowing when to shut up and listen.
That’s what I’ve been working on the past few weeks. I talk about active listening with friends and encourage them to learn that skill – but I realized I wasn’t spending any time actively listening to God.
For me, active listening means being “all in“. I’m 100% committed to having a great conversation, to listening more than I talk, to encourage and support the person I’m talking with.
I’m trying to do more of that in the most important relationship in my life – my relationship with God. That doesn’t mean I’m asking God to tell me about his woes and issues. It means I am silent and focus on Him when I’m praying. I’m learning a lot about myself and what I’m feeling pulled to do in my life.
Being all-in also means not being on the fence about that relationship.
I absolutely accept Jesus Christ as my savior.
I have placed my life in God’s hands.
All I have belongs to God.
When I am afraid, I put that fear aside because my life is his. I trust that God is in control and is doing what is best for me. I may not get what I want but I will always get what I need. And sometimes what I need is a life lesson, not an overflowing cup.
Being all in is frightening at times. I have to completely trust God – and that’s not easy because most of my life I have been the one in control. Giving up that control was difficult. I’m not saying I have it down yet, by the way. I’m just trying really hard to let go and let God show me the path He wants me to take.
The bible verse above helps me remember what happens when I’m all in. God is righteous and faithful. He is near to me and hears me when I call on Him. He watches over me. He loves me.
How incredible is that??
So, my friends, are you all in?
Dear Lord, thank you for helping me learn to be silent and hear your voice. Thank you for your love and faithfulness. Thank you for watching over me. You are amazing and I am grateful for all the blessings you have given me. Help me stay all in, Father. Help me remember in those moments of doubt that you are near. All I have to do is call on you and I will hear your voice and feel your presence. Thank you, God.