“He will call on me, and I will answer him…” Psalm 91:15
We visited an old favorite place of ours this past week. We decided to relive some old memories and make some new ones. We stayed out of town in a place with a pool and as both of my boys waded into the water, I remembered the first time or two we came. When I was clinging to hope that things were going to be ok after going through a divorce. When I was praying desperately that what I was doing was enough to make a good life for my sons. When I felt the smile on my face couldn’t fade or my family may fall apart in a blink. When I had to fear because both of my kids couldn’t swim so pool time wasn’t that fun as one held on to me for dear life and the other one was afar, probably a little lonely we couldn’t play as much as he would like…
But this time, we were years stronger! We had fallen down multiple more times and gotten back up. My smile has faded many times, but we still held together. Everyone can touch in the pool and swim! I was in my own inner tube and had a huge smile on my face as I chased after both kiddos and this time, it was my birthday. I remember birthday after birthday blowing out candles thinking of the hopes and dreams my heart held. This year I didn’t even blow out candles or eat cake, but everything I had prayed for I had. Not only that, I had had it all along. Even the years the things I prayed for didn’t materialize the way I envisioned them, at the core of the prayer, it was answered and a deep peace filled my entire being…
We have been reading in the book of Daniel and aside from all the really amazing miraculous stories in it, one detail has continued to catch my attention in each chapter, the sincerity with which Daniel prays. Despite whatever circumstance he is in or who takes power over his people, Daniel prays. Not only does he seek God when he may receive a consequence of doing so, but He seeks God will all of his heart. Chapter 9 is called “Daniel’s prayer” and half the page is a prayer! What is so moving about the prayer is the sincerity and humility he prayed for the mistakes of his people, the acknowledgement of the consequences that had poured down upon them, and the plead for His mercy. Here is just one portion:
“…We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your name.” Daniel 9:18-19
As I finished it, it made me think about my own prayer life. I remember times of desperate prayer where I felt as in distress as this, but what compelled me even more was that the prayer didn’t concern his own needs, but for those of all of his people. How often are we going to the Lord in distress for a multitude vs just our own needs? It also made me wonder how powerful it may be if I spent more time praying or thinking about and considering big picture prayers rather than the immediate ones right in front of me.
Daniel is visited several times by an angel, Gabriel; however, in Chapter 10, He has a vision of a man dressed in linen, with the belt of finest gold, a face like lightening, and eyes like flaming torches. You can decide for yourself who that may have been. The vision was so overwhelming, Daniel went to his face on the ground to which the man touched him and said,
“…Daniel, you who are highly esteemed…” Daniel 10:11
“…Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.” Daniel 10:12
Daniel had gained a respected reputation in the heavenly realm, so much so that He got repeated visits, visions, and protection. He wasn’t a perfect man, but he clearly sought the Lord with all his heart, his soul, and his mind no matter the threat that came his way. He wasn’t afraid to pray bold prayers and take a bold stand for God.
God reminds us he is…
“…far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” Proverbs 15:29
So the question may be, do we fall in that wicked category or are we righteous? I think He tells us more in this verse:
“Because he loves me, says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” Psalm 91:14-15
If we acknowledge God and actually live as if we believe He exists…. If we call on Him and believe He will answer us, He will.
I’m not sure if you have been through a season of what feels like failures, unanswered prayers, or hopelessness, but fear not,
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
What may seem like an unanswered prayer may be a delay…
“…But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days.” Daniel 10:13
Sometimes evil forces can delay the intervention you are looking for.
It may be a consequence…
“because the Lord disciplines the one he loves; and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Hebrews 12:6
It may be for our own salvation…
“…because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:9
But He offers us this hope
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10
Whatever the reason you may be hurting don’t stop going to the Lord in prayer. He is listening and as your heart gains more and more humility and your prayers deepen…as your belief grows that He will come to your aid, He will. Pray continually and
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14
Today’s image is one that made me take a pause and reflect upon old prayers. It was in a place I went 7-8 years ago with my son’s. The first time, my soul was in a different place of healing. I was definitely crying out to the Lord for many things. Some of which I hadn’t realized answers to until I saw this picture and recalled where we were and where we are and what all we had survived in the meantime. Over the course of a few days I have been brought to tears many times realizing the unique ways in which God very specifically answered every prayer I had prayed some time ago, I just hadn’t realized it as clearly until facing it once again. I have a few lingering prayers out there, as I am sure you do too, but am trusting God…He’s on top of them!
Praying with you, Julie
Father, Today I Surrender:
My Prayers
Show me the next step I should take.