People often wonder why God will not answer their prayers.
They accuse Him of not caring about them (1 Peter 5:7). It could
be that we do not have a personal relationship with Him and He does not know us
(Matthew
7:21-23). Sin may be blocking God from hearing our words or tainting
the message of our prayer. Possibly, we do not spend enough time listening in
order to hear His voice.
God answers our prayers with a "yes",
"no", or "wait". Our Father knows the end from the
beginning and knows what is best for us (Isaiah 46:10). He is
not spiteful or vindictive. He does not punish us. He will discipline His
children; but though He wounds, He always heals (Job 5:18). He will
also heal our land, if His Saints will humble themselves and pray (2
Chronicles 7:14; Ezekiel 22:30).
A lack of a personal relationship with God (John
3:18), sinful behavior or a hectic lifestyle with little prayer
and devotion hinder our ability to connect with God (Isaiah
59:2). Only repentance cleanses us as we confess our failings (Psalm
66:18; Isaiah 59:1-2). With intimate times of prayer, we have more power
to stand against spiritual warfare, trials and temptations (2
Corinthians 10:3-5).
King David realized that God did not want sacrifice from us
as much as He wanted obedience and devotion (Hebrews 10:8-9). God
would rather have us praying than working for Him without His Spirit's
direction. He created works for us to do, but we will only know what they are as
we pray (Ephesians 2:10). God's truest desire is that we
love Him with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength (Luke
10:27).
Prayer:
Father God, we ask You to fill us with a deep desire and
hunger to know You more and to connect with You through our prayer life and
Bible study. Our heart thirsts after You, like the deer pants for water (Psalm
42:1). Fill us with Your Holy Spirit every day and cause us to
hear Your loving kindness each new morning (Ephesians 5:18-19; Psalm 143:8).
Teach us to use Your Word to pray effectual prayers.
Thought for the Day:
If we remain connected to God, we will bear
fruit for His Kingdom; but apart from Him, we can do nothing. - John 15:5-8
